Thousands urged to stay inside in California: “Unhealthy”

Thousands of Americans in parts of California have been advised to stay inside due to “unhealthy” air conditions.

Air quality is currently in the “unhealthy” Air Quality Index (AQI) category around the Lassen National Forest in Lassen County as of 3.40 a.m. ET, according to The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow map. The area includes the towns of Greenville and Quincy.

The warning means that individuals in sensitive groups – such as those with respiratory illnesses – may experience “more serious health effects,” AirNow said.

What To Know

The AQI, used by AirNow and developed by the EPA, is a nationwide system that communicates air pollution levels. It ranges from 0 to 500 and uses color-coded categories to reflect the intensity of air quality concerns. It rates air pollution as follows:

0—50 (Green): Good—air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.51—100 (Yellow): Moderate—air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.101—150 (Orange): Unhealthy for sensitive groups—members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.151—200 (Red): Unhealthy—some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.201—300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy—health alert. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.301 and higher (Maroon): Hazardous—health warning of emergency conditions. Everyone is more likely to be affected.

When air quality falls in the “unhealthy” range, the EPA advises vulnerable people to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities and consider relocating or rescheduling them indoors.

For the general public, the EPA advises reducing the duration or intensity of outdoor exertion and taking frequent breaks to minimize exposure.

This is a developing story. More to follow.