Millions of Americans Told To Monitor Palpitations, Unusual Fatigue
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Millions of Americans have been advised to monitor palpitations and unusual fatigue amid concerns over high air pollution levels.
Air quality alerts have issued on Monday across large swathes of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Texas and Colorado, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The warnings mean ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels.
Why It Matters
The NWS warned that both sensitive groups—such as children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—and the general public might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions.
In some areas, the pollution comes from drifting smoke from wildfires.
People play rugby amid hazy weather conditions in New York in July.
People play rugby amid hazy weather conditions in New York in July.
Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG/AP
What To Know
The agency said in its alert notices: "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma.
"Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider."
It added: "People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy."
In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulates across the state.
Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive group" range across most parts, and will reach the "unhealthy" category in certain regions, meaning that some members of the general public may also experience health effects.
Maine's Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until 11 p.m.
"A cold front will slowly push that smoke plume south through Maine on Monday. The front will likely concentrate smoke ahead of it," the department said.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have both issued air quality alerts for fine particulates until midnight across the majority of both states.
Code Orange air quality alerts have also been issued across Wisconsin, large swathes of Vermont, northern Pennsylvania and parts of Delaware including Wilmington. A Code Orange means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Ozone Action Day Alert for the Front Range Urban Corridor, including cities such as Denver and Boulder.
"On Monday, hot temperatures, light winds, and abundant sunshine will allow ozone to reach concentrations that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The highest concentrations are expected along the Front Range and foothills, from western Denver northward to Fort Collins," it said.
It added: "Smoke from the Grease Fire and the Elk Fire in central and southeastern Rio Blanco County, and the Coulter Creek Fire in southeastern Garfield County will produce areas of moderate to heavy smoke Sunday evening and Monday morning."
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has also issued an Ozone Action Day for the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria area.
What People Are Saying
EGLE said in the NWS alert: "Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as: outdoor burning; use of residential wood burning devices.
"Tips for households: Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher-rated filters."
TCEQ said: "Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in the Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas on Monday. 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."
Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults."
What Happens Next
The air quality alerts are currently set to remain in force until late Monday evening.
Regular updates regarding air pollution levels are issued on the NWS website and on the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow interactive map.
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