DEQ: Smoke from wildfires in Mexico will increase ozone levels in New Orleans, Baton Rouge
DEQ: Smoke from wildfires in Mexico will increase ozone levels in New Orleans, Baton Rouge
27 May 2011
published by www.greenfieldreporter.com
USA / Mexico — Louisiana’s Department of Environmental Quality says smoke from wildfires in Mexico may increase ozone levels in Baton Rouge and the New Orleans area on Friday to a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
It says moderate southwesterly winds ahead of a cold front are likely to carry the remnant smoke into Louisiana.
DEQ says light winds will limit pollutant dispersion, and mostly sunny skies will increase ozone formation. Tim Beckstrom says local pollutants also contribute.
DEQ says that moderate air quality levels are expected statewide. It says Baton Rouge and the New Orleans metro area may reach the low end of the scale considered unhealthy for children, the elderly, people with respiratory diseases, and very active people.
