'Unhealthy' Air Quality Warning Issued For Banning

BANNING, CA — Unhealthy air smothered the Banning area Thursday, and it will linger in portions of the Inland Empire through Friday amid the ongoing heat wave, according to an alert from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The forecast for Banning shows elevated levels of ground-level ozone, which can pose health risks for residents of all ages and abilities.

"When air quality is in the unhealthy range, everyone may begin to experience health effects," AQMD officials said Thursday. "Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy exertion."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ground-level ozone pollution can come from cars, heavy machinery, power plants, and other sources, and often reaches unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. Friday.

Residents can find air quality readings and updated forecasts on the live AirNow map.