LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The 2012 Ozone Season is on track to be one of the most dangerous in recent years. In the last week, air pollution levels in central Arkansas have reached new highs.
"The ozone gets into your lungs and essentially sunburns the inside of your lungs," said Jim McKenzie, Executive Director of Metroplan, an organization which offers long-range infrastructure planning to support the economic growth of the metropolitan area.
McKenzie along with the mayors of Arkansas gathered Wednesday to discuss the problem. He said ground ozone exist when sunlight combines with petroleum-based products.
"That could potentially restrict some federal transportation funds that come into this area," said McKenzie.
He said air quality levels are monitored and can affect federal funds received by the state. McKenzie said high levels can hurt the recruitment of industry to the area.
"It's just an extra cost that they have to go through that they wouldn't have to go through in another region that's competing with us for their location," said McKenzie.
Most importantly he said levels which Arkansas has experience as of late are harmful to those with asthma and other illnesses.
He recommends not engaging in certain activities during early morning hours, such as, fueling your vehicle during, grilling or using aerosol products. McKenzie said it allow these gases to cook during sunlight hours.
Wednesday represents the seventh Ozone Action Advisory issued so far during the 2012 Ozone Season and the fifth consecutive advisory in as many days. In addition, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) ozone readings in three different locations have surpassed the national standard.
Wednesday represents the seventh issued so far during the 2012 Ozone Season and the fifth consecutive advisory in as many days. In addition, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) ozone readings in three different locations have surpassed the national standard.