Poor air quality has led to advisories recommending residents stay indoors in some areas of California. Official measurements of the air quality index exceeded thresholds considered harmful to health; high levels of PM2.5 particulate matter pollution prompted alerts in several regions of California and Oregon, where authorities are recommending residents remain indoors.
The recommendation was to stay indoors due to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
Air quality is so poor that services had no choice but to issue an alert. Residents of the most affected areas received the alert between January 15 and 18. The recommendation was to stay indoors due to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to data from the official monitoring of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s important to note that the alert applies to the general population, but special consideration should be given to vulnerable groups, namely: the elderly and those with chronic or respiratory illnesses.
This type of phenomenon is usually associated with wildfires, industrial emissions, or weather conditions
Regarding the specific areas, the alert primarily affects residents of La Pine and Lakeview in Oregon, and Fresno in California, where official measurements exceeded thresholds considered harmful to health. A map released by the AirNow platform shows widespread concentrations of particulate matter extending across California and Oregon, even reaching southern areas like San Diego. This type of phenomenon, with high levels of PM2.5 particles, is usually associated with wildfires, industrial emissions, or weather conditions that favor the accumulation of pollutants. Given this situation, authorities recommended that the public avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities and remain indoors. Wind conditions are also being closely monitored, as strong gusts can increase the affected areas.
The EPA classifies air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which assigns values from 0 to 500
How are these pollution levels calculated? The EPA classifies air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which assigns values from 0 to 500 based on the concentration of pollutants. Therefore, a value above 150 corresponds to the “unhealthy” category, which implies risks for the entire population. In this specific case, PM2.5 particles are considered one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution. And as we know from past experiences, air is one of the easiest ways for pollution to occur. The particles we’re talking about are extremely fine, and when inhaled, they can penetrate the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Hence the importance of following the recommendations of the responsible authorities.
Due to the proximity to California and Oregon, it is advised to wear masks and avoid prolonged outdoor activities
As mentioned above, people in at-risk groups should take extra precautions, as the effects of pollution can be more severe for them. The EPA states that “even healthy people can experience temporary symptoms if exposed to high levels of particulate matter.” Likewise, it is recommended that people in areas adjacent to the affected zones take extra precautions. Due to the proximity to California and Oregon, it is advised to wear masks and avoid prolonged outdoor activities in the coming days, at least until the alert level decreases.
Currently, the hardest-hit areas are: La Pine, Oregon, with an AQI of 184; Lakeview, Oregon, with an AQI of 153; Fresno, California, with an AQI of 152; Bakersfield, California, with an AQI of 147; Visalia, California, with an AQI of 133; and Willits, California, with an AQI of 130. Given this situation, the EPA points out that, while it is not always possible to identify a single cause, the combination of natural and human-caused factors can generate episodes of high pollution. Therefore, for now, they recommend following the advice of the authorities and not putting your own health or the health of others at risk.