URGENT UPDATE: Millions of Americans are being urged to car pool and avoid drive-thru lanes as alarming air quality alerts spread across ten states. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued these alerts for states including Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Nebraska, and Montana for today, October 12, 2023.
With ground-level ozone and particulate matter expected to reach hazardous levels, officials warn that both the general public and sensitive populations—such as children, seniors, and those with respiratory or heart conditions—could face serious health risks. The NWS stated:
“Ozone is an air contaminant which can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, and persons with respiratory problems.”
In Texas, an ozone action day is active for the Houston, Galveston, Brazoria, and Dallas-Forth Worth areas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) emphasizes that residents can help mitigate pollution by carpooling, walking, or using public transport. The agency further advises avoiding drive-through lanes to reduce emissions.
Meanwhile, an ozone high pollution advisory is in effect in Arizona for the Phoenix Metro Area. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) recommends carpooling, telecommuting, or using mass transit, especially as ozone levels pose increased health risks.
In California, air quality alerts have been triggered due to wildfire smoke impacting regions including San Joaquin, Merced, Madera, Fresno, and Tulare. Similarly, in Washington, an air quality alert remains active due to wildfire smoke until 11 p.m. PT on Friday, affecting counties such as Kittitas, Yakima, Klickitat, Benton, and Walla Walla.
In Oregon, an air quality advisory is active in Lane County until 9 p.m. today, with expectations of unhealthy air quality levels due to wildfires. The situation is comparable in Montana, where an alert is in place until 9 a.m. for counties affected by elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke.
Officials are clear: exposure to this air pollution can lead to severe health complications. The California Valley Air District warns that particle pollution can aggravate lung diseases and increase the risk of respiratory infections. It urges residents to exercise caution and limit outdoor activities.
In light of the extreme conditions, the Washington State Department of Ecology advises that everyone should reduce exposure, limit outdoor time, and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
As air quality concerns persist, residents across the affected states are encouraged to stay informed through regular updates from the NWS and the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow interactive map.
What’s Next? Warnings are expected to remain in effect throughout today, with some extending into Friday. Residents are urged to take immediate action to protect their health and the health of their families.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
