Kansas City Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels Due to Ozone

Current Air Quality

On February 26, 2026, the air quality in the Kansas City, MO reporting area has reached levels classified as Unhealthy. The primary pollutant of concern is Ozone (O3), which has reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 177. Other measured pollutants include Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) at an AQI of 57 (Moderate) and Particulate Matter (PM10) at an AQI of 32 (Good).

What This Means

An AQI in the “Unhealthy” range (151-200) indicates that the air quality is concerning for the general public. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Who Should Take Precautions

While the Unhealthy category affects the general population, certain groups are at higher risk. These include children, active adults who exercise outdoors, and individuals with respiratory diseases such as asthma.

What You Should Do

To minimize health risks, it is recommended that everyone reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Members of sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling them for a time when air quality is better.

Source

Data provided by EPA AirNow.