Air Pollution Advisory
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County is issuing an Air Pollution Advisory due to elevated levels of the pollutant Ozone. This advisory is effective immediately, today 05/15/2026. We are experiencing elevated levels of ozone in Hillsborough County and expect levels to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Air Quality Index range.
Ozone is one of the US EPA Criteria Air Pollutants and has an established National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) based on health criteria. Ground level ozone is not emitted directly into the air but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). This happens when pollutants emitted by vehicles and industrial sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. It primarily affects children, the elderly and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Additional information regarding Ground-Level Ozone can be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution
Air Quality Index values from 101 - 150 are considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory ailments, the elderly or the very young may want to take this into consideration when planning any outside activities. This alert remains in effect until midnight tonight, 5/15/2026. Ozone levels typically decrease during the night.
Conditions which are leading to today’s elevated levels are not expected to remain tomorrow. However, there is still the potential to reach moderate levels. If you have any questions or need further information, please call: The Environmental Protection Commission, Air Division Christian Rodriguez at (813) 627-2600 x1273.
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