Latest news with #BrandonBuckingham
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Stop Driving in 3 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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.
Newsweek
12-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Map Reveals States With Most Polluted Air in America
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A series of live maps from highlighted which parts of the U.S. were experiencing elevated levels of air pollution on Friday. The maps showed data for multiple types of pollutant, including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particles (PM2.5), surface ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, aerosol, and dust mass. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) belongs to a group of highly reactive gases collectively known as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which also include compounds like nitrous acid and nitric acid. NO₂ is commonly used as a representative indicator for this broader category of nitrogen oxides. The main source of NO₂ in the atmosphere is fuel combustion, the EPA says. It is produced by emissions from vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses, as well as from power plants and off-road machinery. The agency warns that breathing high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can irritate the respiratory system and worsen conditions like asthma, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Short-term exposure may lead to emergency room visits, while long-term exposure can contribute to asthma development and increase vulnerability to respiratory infections. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma are especially at risk. According to a live map from areas with some of the highest NO₂ concentrations as of early Friday included New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Particles (PM2.5) The CDC says that particulate matter is made up of minuscule pieces of solids or liquids in the air, including dust, soot, dirt, smoke, or drops of liquid. Smaller particles, known as PM2.5, are particularly dangerous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs or even enter the bloodstream, the agency says. This type of pollution poses the greatest risk to older adults, young children, and individuals with preexisting medical conditions. map showed heightened PM2.5 levels across parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, North and South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York at the time of writing. Surface Ozone "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions," AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek. "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." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that exposure to ozone may irritate the respiratory tract, cause airway inflammation, and aggravate existing conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. According to map, the highest concentration of ozone was located in California, east of Barstow on Friday morning. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) According to the EPA, the primary contributor of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in the atmosphere is the combustion of fossil fuels by power plants and various industrial operations. Additional, smaller sources of SO₂ emissions include industrial activities like metal extraction from ore, natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, and the use of fuel with high sulfur content in locomotives, ships, and other heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. The agency says that short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO₂) can negatively impact the respiratory system and cause difficulty in breathing. Individuals with asthma—especially children—are particularly vulnerable to these effects. When SO₂ emissions reach elevated levels, they can contribute to the formation of additional sulfur oxides. These compounds can interact with other substances in the atmosphere, resulting in the creation of small particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and, when present in large enough quantities, may lead to health issues, the EPA says. map showed that the highest levels of SO₂ were in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana on Friday morning. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Concentration Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that becomes harmful at high levels, the EPA says. It is produced by burning and mainly enters outdoor air through vehicles and machinery that use fossil fuels. Breathing high levels of CO reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs like the heart and brain. Very high concentrations—usually indoors—can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, or even death. Outdoors, the EPA says elevated CO levels can pose risks for people with heart disease, potentially triggering chest pain (angina) during physical exertion or stress and reduced oxygen to the heart. According to map, the highest CO levels were along the East and West Coasts, as well as the Midwest. Aerosol The CDC defines aerosol as a suspension of particles or droplets in air. This may include airborne dusts, mists, fumes, or smoke. Aerosol levels were slightly heightened in Iowa, North Dakota, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts on Friday morning. Dust Mass The CDC warns that dust from roads, farms, dry riverbeds, construction sites, and mines can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Several states showed elevated levels on Friday morning, including, but not limited to, parts of:
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions of Americans Urged to Avoid Driving in 3 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans across parts Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut were advised to avoid driving and limit outdoor activities after officials issued air quality alerts warning of potentially hazardous ozone pollution. Why It Matters The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that ozone exposure can irritate the respiratory system, inflame airways, and worsen preexisting conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with existing lung problems—face higher risks. What To Know In Colorado, an ozone action day alert was in effect until 4 p.m. for the Front Range Urban Corridor. "On Monday, ozone may reach levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the northern portions of the Front Range including Denver, Fort Collins, and Greeley," an air quality alert published by the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Counties affected by the alert included Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld. Residents in potentially affected areas were requested to help reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m., if possible. Active children and adults, as well as those with lung diseases should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, the alert advised. In Arizona, an ozone high pollution advisory was issued for the Phoenix metropolitan area for Monday. "This means that forecast weather conditions combined with existing ozone levels are expected to result in local maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations that pose a health risk," the alert said. "Adverse health effect increase as air quality deteriorates." Locals were urged to carpool, telecommute, or use public transportation. Air quality alerts also covered Fairfield and Litchfield counties in Connecticut, which were in effect until 11 p.m. EDT. In an aerial view, the downtown skyline is seen on July 15, 2023, in Phoenix. In an aerial view, the downtown skyline is seen on July 15, 2023, in People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham previously told Newsweek: "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. "Ozone pollution is often more severe in urban areas where there are higher concentrations of pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, and industrial activities." Jonathan Grigg, 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 NWS issues forecast updates regularly on its website.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Avoid Driving On 4th of July
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Air quality alerts were issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in conjunction with local authorities for multiple states as of July 4, with officials advising residents in effected areas to take steps to help reduce air pollution in their area. Why It Matters Experts caution that unhealthy air quality heightens health risks for vulnerable populations, such as older adults, young children, and those with respiratory illnesses. What To Know In Michigan, affected areas included the southwestern and southeastern portions of the state. Weather conditions would be favorable for elevated ozone levels, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. In the Detroit metropolitan area, "stagnant conditions" would also allow smoke from fireworks displays to accumulate, the agency said. 4th of July preparations are seen on the National Mall during the procedural vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 03, 2025 in Washington, D.C. 4th of July preparations are seen on the National Mall during the procedural vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 03, 2025 in Washington, Indiana and surrounding areas were also issued alerts, due to both ozone and fine particles. In Illinois, an air pollution action day was in effect until midnight on Friday. The alert explained that these are declared "when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category of the Air Quality Index for multiple days." While ozone was expected to be the primary pollutant, emissions from fireworks could also contribute to poorer air quality, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. In Ohio, ozone forecasts prompted an advisory to be issued for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties. Meanwhile, an ozone high pollution advisory was issued for Maricopa County and the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona for Monday, where officials said forecast weather conditions could result in potentially unhealthy pollution levels. Additional air quality alerts were in place for parts of California, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Local authorities urged people in affected areas to take steps to reduce air pollution, including driving less, walking or bike riding, avoiding additional sources of pollution such as gasoline-powered lawn equipment, and using public transport. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham previously told Newsweek: "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. "Ozone pollution is often more severe in urban areas where there are higher concentrations of pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, and industrial activities." Jonathan Grigg, 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 At the time of writing, the latest of the air quality alerts were in effect through Monday, though most were set to expire before this. The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
More Than a Million Americans Asked To Avoid Driving
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Air quality alerts were in place for parts of California and Colorado on Tuesday, with local authorities urging residents in affected areas to take steps to reduce air pollution. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an ozone action day alert for the Front Range Urban Corridor. The highest chance for elevated ozone levels is in the western parts of the Denver metro area, including Golden. "If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Ozone concentrations could reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category Tuesday afternoon and evening," the alert read. Why It Matters According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, throat discomfort and pain during deep breaths. It can inflame and damage airways, weaken defenses against infections, and worsen chronic lung issues like asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. While even healthy people may notice symptoms, the EPA noted that individuals with respiratory illnesses are at greater risk of severe health impacts. What To Know In California, an air quality alert was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in conjunction with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for "harmful fine particulate pollution levels" because of wildfire smoke. Areas affected included Corona-Norco, metropolitan Riverside County, Perris Valley and Lake Elsinore. The advisory was issued in response to the Juniper fire, which, according to a map from Watch Duty, had burned more than 680 acres in Riverside County. "Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks and difficulty breathing," the alert warned. "Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk." Locals were advised to remain indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid intense outdoor physical activity, and avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. A wildfire smoke advisory had been in effect for parts of Southern California on Monday because of the Wolf and Mindy fires, though a South Coast AQMD spokesperson told Newsweek these would not be extended. What People Are Saying Brandon Buckingham, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, previously told Newsweek: "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. "Ozone pollution is often more severe in urban areas where there are higher concentrations of pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, and industrial activities." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the California alert was in place through 6 p.m. Tuesday, while the alert for Colorado was in effect until 4 p.m.
