US release air quality alert as heatwave hits states

States in the US have issued air quality alerts as high temperatures threaten to expose people to unhealthy standards of ozone levels.

Earlier this week, the Maryland Department of the Environment declared an air quality warning for the region after temperatures exceeded 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

This was intended to advise people to take care when out in the sun as the health of local citizens is under threat from unhealthy levels of ozone exposure.

Particular consideration was shown to people with ill-health, the elderly and the young as air pollution reached dangerous levels.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John Colmers said: "It doesn't matter your age or your overall health status. This is very hot and serious business."

His comments came after the number of people dying of heat-related causes in the state reached 16 on Friday (July 24th).

According to the Annapolis Capital, in 2009, the region saw a total of six deaths resulting from the heat, while in 2005, the figure was as high as 48.

Posted by Claire Manning