Southern California is facing a sudden and dangerous air-quality emergency as authorities issue widespread alerts urging residents to stay indoors.
More than 18 million Americans are under the alert issued Tuesday, which the National Weather Service (NWS) says will remain in effect until midnight.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) analyzed data from air-monitoring stations across the region and found sharply elevated levels of PM2.5, the fine particles produced by vehicles, industry and wood burning.
According to South Coast AQMD, these microscopic pollutants can trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis flare-ups, ER visits, and even hospitalizations, especially among children, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions.
In response, officials have enacted a mandatory wood-burning ban across a massive portion of Southern California after pollution levels surged into the unhealthy range.
The order covers major population centers, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire and the San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys.
‘When air quality is poor in your area, limit extended or intense outdoor activity and remain inside with windows and doors closed,’ the NWS warned in its alert.
Residents are also urged to run air purifiers or air-conditioning units, avoid swamp coolers or whole-house fans that pull in outdoor air, and monitor real-time conditions through AQMD’s app or website.
MORE:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15367247/california-air-quality-alert.html