Protecting Air Quality: SCDES’s Daily Ozone Forecasts and What You Can Do to Help

As temperatures rise across South Carolina, so do concerns about ground-level ozone pollution. From April 1 through September 30, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) provides daily ozone forecasts to help residents stay informed and make healthy choices.  

Understanding Ground-Level Ozone  

Ozone is a colorless gas that forms when vehicle exhaust and other pollutants react with sunlight and heat. While ozone high in the atmosphere protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, ground-level ozone can have negative health effects—especially for children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions.  

"High ozone concentrations generally occur on hot, sunny days in the spring and summer when the air is stagnant and the sun’s rays shine more directly on the earth’s surface,” said Rhonda Thompson, chief of SCDES’s Bureau of Air Quality. “We issue our daily ozone forecasts to help South Carolinians make healthy decisions about outdoor activities during the summer when we feel the most impacts from ozone.”  

Stay Informed with EnviroFlash 

One of the best ways to stay updated on air quality conditions is through EnviroFlash, a tool that provides air quality forecasts and action day notifications via email. When ozone levels exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard, an action day is issued, advising residents—especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions—to reduce outdoor activity.  

EnviroFlash is customizable, allowing you to receive alerts based on your location and needs. It is a joint effort between the EPA and state and local air quality agencies, including SCDES.  

To sign up, visit https://www.enviroflash.info/ and receive air quality updates directly to your inbox.  

How You Can Help Reduce Air Pollution  

Reducing ozone pollution requires collective action. Here are a few simple ways you can help lower harmful emissions:  

✅ Choose electric over gas-powered lawn equipment – Electric mowers and trimmers produce fewer emissions than gas-powered alternatives.  

✅ Conserve energy – Reducing electricity use at home and work helps lower emissions from power plants.  

✅ Avoid idling – Instead of waiting in drive-through lines, park and walk inside to reduce vehicle emissions.  

✅ Adjust your schedule – If possible, work a flexible schedule to avoid peak-hour traffic, reducing congestion and emissions.  

✅ Telecommute when feasible – Working remotely even a few days a week can significantly decrease vehicle emissions.  

By staying informed through daily ozone forecasts and making small changes in our daily habits, we can all play a role in improving air quality in South Carolina.