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Time of India
4 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Alerts issued as more than 200,000 people in these US states told to stay indoors amid heightened risks
US states issue air quality alert Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Three US states Michigan, Minnesota and South Carolina have asked people to stay indoors as air quality alerts were in effect across them on Monday morning, reports NewsWeek. Health officials said that vulnerable populations—such as children, older adults and individuals with existing respiratory issues—face heightened risks during periods of poor air matter from wildfire smoke can worsen asthma, trigger heart problems, and lower lung function in developing children, reports said. In Michigan and Minnesota, smoke from Canadian wildfires remains a major cause of concern. The National Weather Service (NWS) said smoke from fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is spreading south due to a cold counties affected included Mackinac, Chippewa, Menominee, Keweenaw, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette, Baraga, Schoolcraft, Houghton, Delta, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Luce and Alger, NewsWeek report said."It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases such as asthma," read the entirety of Minnesota was also under air quality alert. People are being advised to avoid outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise, stay indoors with windows closed, use air purifiers if available and avoid outdoor burning and other pollution-causing activities."A cold front will continue to drag smoke from large wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan southward into Minnesota. This will be a long duration event with multiple rounds of smoke expected," read the air quality alert for an air quality alert had been issued for Catawba and Upstate regions of South Carolina. The alert said that weather conditions were expected to cause high ozone pollution levels."This has been further compounded by higher than projected ozone readings from over the weekend and an influence from interactions with the Canadian wildfire smoke that has poured across the Plains and Southeast," it of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine Jonathan Grigg, with Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek: "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."Their trajectory can be deviated so they don't actually achieve their maximum lung function."There are also "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, Grigg Grigg said conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air May, when Florida's air turned toxic, more than 50,000 residents were warned to hunker down indoors as dangerous pollution levels warned it could cause coughing, breathing problems and exacerbate any chronic heart or lung conditions in sensitive groups, with older adults at risk because their bodies are less able to compensate for environmental hazards. 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. Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain can appear or intensify - and for some, may require emergency medical intervention.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
More Than 200,000 People Told To Stay Indoors 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. Air quality alerts were in effect across three states on Monday morning, with residents of Michigan, Minnesota and South Carolina warned of potential health impacts. Why It Matters Health officials say that vulnerable populations—such as children, older adults and individuals with existing respiratory issues—face heightened risks during periods of poor air quality. What To Know In Michigan and Minnesota, alerts were issued due to smoke impacts from Canadian wildfires, a notice posted by the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Michigan counties affected included Mackinac, Chippewa, Menominee, Keweenaw, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette, Baraga, Schoolcraft, Houghton, Delta, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Luce and Alger. "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases such as asthma," read the alert. The entirety of Minnesota was also under air quality alert. "A cold front will continue to drag smoke from large wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan southward into Minnesota. This will be a long duration event with multiple rounds of smoke expected," read the air quality alert for Minnesota. A round of smoke was expected to arrive on Monday, it said, adding that the alert could potentially be extended as additional smoke waves were possible. Sensitive groups were advised to limit prolonged or heavy exertion, with authorities also cautioning against activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning. "Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors," the alert added. Meanwhile, an air quality alert had been issued for Catawba and Upstate regions of South Carolina. The alert said that weather conditions were expected to cause high ozone pollution levels. "This has been further compounded by higher than projected ozone readings from over the weekend and an influence from interactions with the Canadian wildfire smoke that has poured across the Plains and Southeast," it added. What People Are Saying Professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine Jonathan Grigg, with Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek: "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. "Their trajectory can be deviated so they don't actually achieve their maximum lung function." There are also "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, Grigg said. Additionally, Grigg said conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next At the time of writing, Minnesota's air quality alerts were set to remain in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, while in South Carolina, the alert is to last until 8 p.m.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
California Seniors Issued Memorial Day Weekend Health Warning
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. Residents in southern California, are facing poor air quality due to particle pollution over parts of the Memorial Day weekend, according to officials. Why It Matters "Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections," the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in an air quality alert. What To Know According to a notice published by the NWS, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an air quality alert due to "harmful" levels of particle pollution from windblown dust in the Coachella Valley. Cities potentially affected included Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Coachella. A map from the South Coast AQMD shows which areas are potentially impacted by the windblown dust advisory. A map from the South Coast AQMD shows which areas are potentially impacted by the windblown dust advisory. South Coast AQMD While the alert said that everyone can be affected, it noted that sensitive groups, such as older adults, people with lung or heart conditions, pregnant people, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk. South Coast AQMD said winds from the west, with gusts up to 47 miles per hour were predicted in the northwestern Coachella Valley below the San Gorgonio Pass. "Gusty winds can lift dust and soil into the air, resulting in high particle pollution (PM10) levels in the region," it said, adding: "Expect elevated PM10 levels at times from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, especially in the northwestern part of the valley." South Coast AQMD serves as the regulatory body tasked with enhancing air quality across extensive parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. This area is home to over 17 million residents—representing 44 percent of California's total population. What People Are Saying A South Coast AQMD spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "Windblown dust events can occur year-round but high winds and dust most frequently occur from April to October in the Coachella Valley." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added that conditions such as asthma are exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next To keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor, officials advise residents in affected areas to keep windows and doors closed, run air conditioners or purifiers, and to avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. At the time of writing, the air quality alert was set to be in effect from 2 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions in Texas Told to Share Car Rides
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 people in Texas have been urged to limit their car use and share rides due to potentially unhealthy air pollution levels. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued an Ozone Action Day on Wednesday for the Houston, Galveston and Brazoria areas. Why It Matters Elevated ground-level ozone pollution endangers the health of children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions, exacerbating symptoms such as coughing, reduced lung function, and asthma attacks. According to air quality forecasts, ozone pollutant levels are forecast to reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups on Wednesday. The Houston skyline seen from the Valero refinery in 2023. The Houston skyline seen from the Valero refinery in To Know According to an air quality alert published by the National Weather Service (NWS), atmospheric conditions on Wednesday are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas. "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," it said. According to the TCEQ, ground-level ozone, or smog, is created when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — released mainly from vehicles, industrial plants, and chemical solvents — react in sunlight. Summer in Texas often brings stagnant, sunny conditions that accelerate these reactions. 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. "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, told Newsweek previously thatthere are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added that conditions such as asthma are exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next The TCEQ provides Ozone Action Day notifications one day in advance when conditions are expected to favor elevated ozone levels. This is so that "citizens, businesses, and industry can take steps to reduce the pollutants that contribute to ozone formation." The Ozone Action Day alert remains in force throughout Wednesday.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Across Two Major Texas Areas Told to Avoid Drive-Thru Lanes
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. An air quality alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for two of Texas' most populous metro areas is advising residents against idling in drive-thru lanes due to elevated ozone levels. Why It Matters With a combined metropolitan population of over 10 million, the recommendation affects a significant portion of the state's urban population. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that even short-term exposure to elevated ozone can lead to breathing difficulties, lung inflammation, and worsening of conditions such as asthma. What To Know The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued Ozone Action Days for both the Dallas-Fort Worth and the San Antonio areas for Tuesday, an air quality alert published by the NWS said. According to officials, atmospheric conditions were forecast to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution. "You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking or riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned," the alert read. Elsewhere, air quality alerts were also in effect for the western two-thirds of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities Metro, following previous alerts issued for the day prior. "Mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and low humidity will provide a favorable environment for two types of pollutants (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) to react with sunlight in the air to produce ground-level ozone," the alerts for the state said. "Ozone will remain elevated on Wednesday as sunny skies, warm temperatures and dry conditions persist." In the northeastern part of the state, an air quality alert had also been issued due to the ongoing Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw fires, which had each burned over 1,000 acres as of Monday night. Smoke was expected to impact areas near and downwind of the blazes, with smoke being observed as far north as the Canadian border, the alert said. 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." Professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine Jonathan Grigg, with Queen Mary, University of London, previously told Newsweek There are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, he added that conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next At the time of writing, Ozone Action Days for Texas were in effect through Tuesday. The next ozone action day, if required, would be issued by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
