May 29, 2025. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Reno-Sparks area through the weekend because the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range at times for ground-level ozone.
Sensitive groups, which include all children, older adults, and those with asthma or other lung diseases, should limit outdoor exposure when the AQI reaches USG (101-150 AQI) for ground-level ozone.
“Unlike the ozone in our upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants on the ground and can cause health issues,” said Joshua Restori, AQMD Supervisor. “Based on our forecasting, we are issuing an air quality advisory through the weekend and encourage sensitive groups to be aware and stay safe.”
Here is more information on ozone in Washoe County, which includes information on how everyone can help reduce emissions that form ground-level ozone pollution:
- Reducing or combining vehicle trips
- Refueling gasoline vehicles in the evening
- Using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment in the evening
- Limit engine idling
- Conserve energy
Sensitive groups are encouraged to regularly monitor AQI on EPA’s AirNow.gov. More information about the harmful effects of ground-level ozone can be found on AQMD’s website.
For more information on NNPH’s Air Quality Management Division, visit OurCleanAir.com.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.