Due to emissions from the ongoing Canadian wildfires combined with northeasterly wind, Sarasota County has issued an air advisory for elevated particulate matter (PM2.5) levels that fall within the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) national ambient air quality standards for public health. 

PM2.5s are inhalable particles that are small enough to enter the bloodstream. The elevated levels were detected today, Oct. 3, 2023, at Sarasota County's Bee Ridge and Jackson Road air monitoring stations.

Wind conditions are forecast to continue to bring these emissions into Sarasota County today and tomorrow, creating a higher air quality index than the area's typical “good” range. People with respiratory ailments may experience health effects during this air advisory and may want to consider limiting their outdoor activities, although the general public is not likely to be affected.

Anyone with health-related questions should contact their personal health care provider. This air advisory is in effect until dusk on Oct. 4, 2023.