An air pollution Code Orange Health Watch has been declared for ozone in Hamilton County for Saturday, according to the state of Tennessee Division of Air Pollution Control.
The air quality index is predicted to be 104, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
About 50 percent of the population could be affected, including children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma. These groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, a news release from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau stated.
Prolonged exposure could produce negative health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; reduced lung function; inflamed and damaged lung lining; aggravated asthma conditions and increase in risk of lung illnesses.
Air pollution experts recommend residents driver less; carpool whenever possible; refuel after 6 p.m.; postpone lawn care and turning up thermostats two to four degrees.