SCDHEC warns Midlands & Catabwa areas about bad air quality

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control declared Wednesday as Air Quality Action Day, because there's likely an unhealthy concentration of ground air pollution in the area.

SOUTH CAROLINA (WOLO) – South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control declared Wednesday as Air Quality Action Day, because there’s likely an unhealthy concentration of ground air pollution in the area.

Officials say the Midlands and Catabwa regions are under this alert from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DHEC says the Midlands and Catabwa regions are on a code orange alert, which means kids, elders and people with lung diseases, should limit their outdoor activities.

“I have a daughter that I was just talking about, on the way over here, and she was talking about how she woke up with a really bad headache, and we started talking about the weather and the haze and the pollution,” said Wanda Roll, a resident of Lexington.

According to the National Weather Service, the day was created to alert areas where atmospheric conditions will likely produce unhealthy concentrations of ground air pollution.

“Trying to limit to an hour or two, especially the past few days when it’s been so hot and you can see the haze, when you’re riding down the road,” said Roll.

According to DHEC, high ozone concentrations generally occur on hot, sunny days when the air is stagnant.

“Definitely prepare a water bottle. Ice, even though it’s going to melt anyways but that’s okay. Definitely wear lighter colors, wear sunscreen,” said Stacey Minten, a resident of Lexington.

But the air quality, and high temps, aren’t keeping families from enjoying the South Carolina weather.

“I just like it way better than Ohio. It’s hotter, it’s nicer,” said Sophia Loyer, 11, who’s from Ohio.

“It’s still wonderful to get out and get in the water, no matter how hot it is. It’s a fun time to get out and play,” said Roll.

NWS officials say you can prevent pollution with activities like carpooling, keeping your vehicle properly tuned, and reducing idling.

For more information on the ozone layer map, visit the DHEC website by clicking here.