Warning as 50,000 people in major state are warned to stay indoors Tuesday or risk death

Officials say for the more than 13 percent of Tampa’s population aged 65 and over, they should not step outside unless absolutely necessary.

Making things more dangerous is that it is not smog that can be seen in the air or like a wildfire that can be smelled on the breeze.

Instead it is a chemical soup of ozone and particulate pollution that infiltrates lungs, weakens immune systems, and worsens chronic conditions.

For Tampa’s most vulnerable, the consequences could be life-threatening.

According to the EPA, the orange AQI level (101–150) marks the point at which outdoor air becomes a threat to anyone with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory illnesses.