The latter two are topics the American Lung Association wants to educate the public about, so it is sponsoring Clean Air Week. Even though the week ends Saturday, the group is hoping to shed some light on the unhealthy air pollution levels in Florida which are more prevalent in the summer. Florida was under a public health advisory warning last week because high temperatures and lack of rain led to an increase in smog levels. Tom Rogers, the administrator with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said ozone levels are dependent on temperature. Florida's ozone season is longer and typically runs from April to September.
Children are especially vulnerable because they breathe in more pollution per pound.
Cindy Capen, pediatric pulmonary nurse specialist at Shands at UF, said the hospital has had more patients this week compared to previous weeks. Hellmuth said smog levels are high because of the number of cars on the road. Rogers said the ozone levels in Florida have improved and Gainesville is not typically a high-risk area. Ainsley Cardinal, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association of Florida, said people need to obtain a consumer guide with information about the dangers of high-ozone levels. All rights reserved.