FOX Carolina 21Officials warn of bad air quality Tuesday

Officials warn of bad air quality Tuesday

On Monday, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued an orange ozone action day for Tuesday.

Officials said that conditions are likely Tuesday for increased ground-level ozone concentrations in the Upstate, making it difficult for some to breathe.

Ground-level ozone forms when hot, dry and stagnant weather patters occur, trapping emissions from vehicles close to the surface, said DHEC Air Quality Bureau Chief Myra Reece.

"When ozone levels are elevated, active children and adults, as well as people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion," Reece said.

Reece encouraged Upstate residents to carpool, stay indoors during lunch, avoid excessive vehicle idling and use mass transit during ozone action days.