UPDATE: Millions of Americans are being urged to avoid drive-thru lanes amid alarming air quality alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on July 26, 2023. The warnings affect residents in Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Montana, predicting dangerous levels of ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
The NWS alerts indicate that air pollution levels are expected to reach hazardous thresholds, largely influenced by drifting wildfire smoke. This situation poses immediate health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions.
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Ozone is an air contaminant that can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, and those with respiratory problems. A decrease in physical activity is recommended,”
stated the NWS.
In Texas, an Ozone Action Day has been declared for areas including Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria, where ground-level ozone is expected to spike. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality advises residents to carpool, bike, and avoid drive-thru lanes to minimize ozone pollution.
Meanwhile, Arizona has issued an ozone high pollution advisory for the Phoenix Metro Area. Residents are urged to reduce the use of gasoline-powered equipment and consider telecommuting or using public transport.
In Oregon, an air quality advisory is active for parts of Lane County until 9 p.m. PT on July 27, with wildfire smoke contributing to unhealthy air conditions. The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency warns that air quality may deteriorate further through Thursday evening.
Washington State is also under an air quality alert, affecting counties including Kittitas and Spokane, with unhealthy particulate matter levels forecasted due to smoke from regional wildfires. Montana has issued a similar alert, effective until 9 a.m. PT, covering several counties including Daniels and Roosevelt.
The Washington State Department of Ecology emphasized the need to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated in extreme heat conditions. “When air quality is unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure,” they advised, urging residents to seek air-conditioned spaces and stay out of the sun.
Experts are warning of the serious health impacts of poor air quality. “There are very clear links between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” stated Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine.
What happens next? The air quality warnings are expected to remain in effect throughout Wednesday and into Thursday. Residents are encouraged to stay informed via the NWS website and the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow interactive map for real-time updates on air pollution levels.
As air quality deteriorates across several states, the call to action is clear: limit outdoor exposure and avoid drive-thrus to protect your health and the health of your community. Share this urgent message to keep others informed.
