Thousands of people have been urged to remain inside in Arizona amid concerns over high air pollution levels, a map from AirNow shows.
The map shows that levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) are in the “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” categories on the Air Quality Index (AQI) for an area surrounding Nogales neighboring the Mexican border as of 2.25 a.m. ET.
The air quality warning stretches south into Mexico, where an area of “hazardous” air quality is located south of Nogales, encompassing towns including La Mesa, Agua Zarca, and Cibuta.
When air quality reaches the “unhealthy” category, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that sensitive groups—including young children, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions—avoid long or intense outdoor activities and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.
The general population is advised to reduce long or intense activities and to take more breaks during outdoor activities.
When air quality reaches the “very unhealthy” category, the risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
