Tens of Thousands In California Told To Stay Indoors
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Tens of thousands of people in southern California have been advised to remain indoors as “emergency” air quality conditions impact parts of the Coachella Valley on Friday.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow map, which provides a real-time snapshot of air quality, shows that air pollution levels around Cathedral City and Thousands Palms are “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” on Friday morning.
The warnings mean that the risk of negative health effects from air pollution is increased for everyone, not just vulnerable populations.
Smoke fills the air above Los Angeles during the wildfires in January. Smoke fills the air above Los Angeles during the wildfires in January. Eric Thayer/AP
Why It Matters
Air pollution and extreme heat pose significant health risks to the general public, in particular for the young, seniors and vulnerable populations such as those with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
The EPA warns that the current air pollution levels can lead to serious health issues, including reduced lung function, severe respiratory symptoms including chest pain and aggravated coughs, and increased hospital admissions.
What To Know
The AirNow Map shows that a maroon warning – the highest category – is in force for Cathedral city, which has a population of more than 50,000 people.
A “hazardous” maroon warning means that pollution levels are of “emergency conditions,” and that “everyone is more likely to be affected,” the AirNow website says.
A “very unhealthy” purple warning – the second highest category – covers Desert Edge, Sky Valley, Thousand Palms and Sunair. AirNow says that the risk of health effects are “increased for everyone” in these areas.
Meanwhile, red warnings are also in force in the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage and parts of Palm Desert, along with a large area along the California-Arizona border including Yuma.
Red warnings mean that “some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.”
What People Are Saying
The EPA said that residents should stay inside wherever possible while the air quality is so poor. “Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups: remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keep particle levels low indoors.”
It added: “The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles… [which] aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.”
Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, told Newsweek previously: “There are very clear links between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.”
What Happens Next
Air quality warnings are updated regularly by the EPA and National Weather Service.
Residents in affected areas can access daily forecasts and health guidance via airnow.gov and local agencies, with officials providing current information as environmental conditions develop.
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