Air quality dips in downtown Sacramento. Automated alert discourages strenuous outdoor activity

The air quality in downtown Sacramento reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups Sunday evening, according to an automated alert furnished by the air quality control district.

Children and people with asthma are the most at risk, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District said in the real-time notification message that was sent out before 5 p.m. During this time, there is an increased likelihood of trouble breathing for active adults and children, and people with respiratory diseases.

The Environmental Protection Agency urges people to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during periods of unhealthy air quality and exercise in the morning, when the air quality tends not to be as bad.

Correction: A previous version of this story indicated an alert was sent by the air quality district; it was an automated alert set furnished by the district but set up by The Sacramento Bee.

This story was originally published June 23, 2019 at 5:27 PM.