Millions Told To Stop Driving in 3 States

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Millions of Americans across Texas, Arizona, and Colorado were advised to take action due to potentially hazardous pollution levels on Friday, as air quality alerts were issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in collaboration with local agencies.
Why It Matters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that exposure to ozone may irritate the respiratory tract; cause airway inflammation; and aggravate existing conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Vulnerable populations—such as older adults, children and individuals with lung diseases—are at greater risk.
What To Know
In Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had issued an ozone action day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
These are issued when weather conditions are expected to be ideal for high ozone pollution levels, the air-quality alert said.
"You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned," the alert added.
In Arizona, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an ozone high-pollution advisory for the Phoenix metropolitan area.
File photo: In an aerial view, the downtown skyline is seen on July 15, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.
File photo: In an aerial view, the downtown skyline is seen on July 15, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona."You are urged to car pool, telecommute or use mass transit," the alert for the area said. "The use of gasoline-powered equipment should be reduced or done late in the day."
The alert also recommended a decrease in physical activity.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, an air-quality advisory had been issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for wildfire smoke.
"Multiple wildfires will produce periods of moderate to heavy smoke across the advisory area through early Friday morning," the alert said.
The affected counties included Mesa, Delta, and Montrose, covering locations such as Grand Junction, Delta, Montrose, Nucla, and more.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children were advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
A map from Watch Duty—a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization run by volunteers—showed that at least six wildfires were burning in western parts of Colorado as of early Friday morning. This included the Turner Gulch fire in Mesa County, which had spread to more than 15,000 acres and was 34 percent contained at the time of writing, according to the organization.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek previously: "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels."
What Happens Next
Agencies such as the National Weather Service issue regular updates.