The Iowa DNR recently issued a special weather statement for large portions of central and eastern Iowa, including our listening area, warning about high levels of ozone.

DNR Environmental Specialist Sean Fitzsimmons says the hot and clear conditions we’ve seen much of this summer can produce high levels of ozone, especially dangerous to certain individuals. “People that have asthma, COPD, children and the elderly are most affected by higher ozone levels. What happens is the ozone causes inflammation in the lungs and it could potentially cause an asthma attack.”

He recommends affected groups staying inside in the event of another high-ozone situation.