Thursday, air quality alerts were in force in certain parts of five states, with the National Weather Service (NWS), in coordination with regional agencies, advising residents to take measures to reduce the impacts of air pollution.
Why it matters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that exposure to ozone can irritate respiratory tract, cause inflammation of the airways and worsen existing conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
With regard to particle pollution, the EPA declares that studies have linked exposure to a range of health effects, including respiratory symptoms such as cough and whistling breathing, asthma development and increased sensitivity to respiratory infections.
Experts recommend keeping windows and closed doors during low -quality periods.
What to know
Thursday morning, air quality alerts were in effect for Minnesota, Ohio, Connecticut, Colorado and Wisconsin.
In Minnesota, an air quality alert was published due to the fine pollution of the particles. Forest fire smoke in Canada in Saskatchewan and Manitoba was to reach the southwest, northeast and the central parts of the state on Thursday after covering the northwest the day before, officials announced.
“A certain uncertainty remains concerning the distance to the south, the smoke in the ground level will reach Friday morning, when the winds should become south and push the smoke towards the north. Air quality should gradually improve from south to north from Friday afternoon, with an improvement in fine particle levels under the alert expected by the end of Friday”, read the alert.
Residents were advised to keep their windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering their homes.
Meanwhile, in the Wisconsin, an air quality alert was issued for the northwest part of the state, also due to forest smoke from Canada.
In Connecticut, a day of air quality action was announced for the counties of Hartford and Northern Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesex.
“A day of air quality action means that ozone concentrations at ground level in the region can approach or exceed unhealthy standards,” said the alert.
In Ohio, an opinion of air quality for ozone at ground level was published by the coordination agency in northeast Ohio for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geuga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit. It was in effect until midnight Thursday evening.
“Air quality levels will be unhealthy for sensitive groups during this period,” read the alert. Residents were advised to drive less and use alternative modes of transport, such as public transport and bicycle, if possible, to help reduce regional air pollution.
In addition, the County of Mesa of Colorado had received an opinion of air quality due to the smoke of forest fires both in the state and outside the state.
According to a live card from the non -profit monitoring service, Turner Gulch’s fire in the county had burned more than 17,000 acres and was 41% confinement at the time of the editorial staff.
What people say
Meteorologist Accuweather Brandon Buckingham said before Nowsweek:: “Ozone is a secondary pollutant, which means that it is not issued directly from sources, but is formed by chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, which makes the hot months more subject to ozone formation. When the stagnant air, pollutants are not dispersed, allowing ozone to develop at unhealthy levels.”
What happens next
The NWS issues regular forecasts on its website and social networks.