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SCDES Begins Seasonal Daily Ozone Forecasts to Help South Carolinians Stay Air Quality Aware

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 30, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — From April 1 through September 30, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) provides a daily forecast for ground-level ozone concentrations across the state. These forecasts help South Carolinians take simple steps to protect their health on days when ozone levels are expected to be elevated.

Ozone is a colorless gas considered a secondary pollutant, meaning it forms through complex chemical reactions in the air. While ozone high in the atmosphere protects people and the environment from harmful ultraviolet rays, elevated levels of ground-level ozone can be harmful — particularly for children, older adults and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Dylan Cobb (foreground) and Will Jenny with SCDES's Division of Air Quality Analysis review ozone monitoring data at one of SCDES's air monitoring stations. SCDES monitors the state's air quality year-round and provides ozone forecasting for the public during the spring and summer months when elevated ozone levels are most likely to occur.

“Ground-level ozone tends to build up on hot, sunny days when the air is stagnant and pollution lingers near the surface,” said Rhonda Thompson, chief of SCDES’s Bureau of Air Quality. “Our daily forecasts give South Carolinians a simple way to stay informed and make small adjustments that can help protect their health, especially during the warmer months when ozone impacts are more likely.”

SCDES reports its air quality data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which provides ZIP code-level information for all of South Carolina through the AirNow.gov website. Data are updated nearly every hour.

To receive daily ozone and air quality forecasts in South Carolina:

• Visit des.sc.gov/airqualityforecast
• Sign up for text or email alerts using the EPA’s EnviroFlash service at enviroflash.info
• Download the EPA’s free AirNow mobile app Follow SCDES on social media: @SouthCarolinaDES on Facebook and Instagram, and @SC_EnvServices on X

On days with elevated ozone levels, individuals can reduce exposure by:

• Planning outdoor activities for the morning or evening, when ozone levels are typically lower
• Reducing the intensity or duration of outdoor exercise
• Schools modifying outdoor activities such as recess, lunch and physical education “During ozone season, we also encourage South Carolinians to take small steps that can help reduce air pollution,” said Greg Quina, Air Quality Modeling Section Manager with SCDES’s Bureau of Air Quality. “Everyday actions — like reducing vehicle use or avoiding unnecessary idling — can make a meaningful difference in improving air quality across our communities.”

People can help reduce ozone pollution by:

• Driving less by carpooling, walking, biking or using public transportation
• Avoiding idling by turning off engines when stopped for more than 30 seconds (except in traffic)
• Keeping vehicles properly maintained and tires inflated
• Following speed limits to reduce emissions and fuel use To learn more about ground-level ozone pollution and access South Carolina air quality data, visit des.sc.gov/ozone. Sign up for air quality alerts at enviroflash.info.

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