Another health warning has been issued for the southwest with a ton of people in Texas, (El Paso and Juarez included), New Mexico and Arizona urged to stay inside.

Pollution levels in the Borderland and across the southwest reached “unhealthy” levels early this morning according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow Map. You can view the map here.

“Unhealthy” is the 3rd to the worst category the EPA uses to rate air quality, they are:  “Good,” “Moderate,” “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” “Unhealthy,” “Very Unhealthy” and “Hazardous.”

The pollution known as PM2.5 is rated as one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution and can also affect air quality inside.

Why Is This Pollutant So Dangerous?

This is because the particles are so small—each one is less than 2.5 micrometers in size, which is far thinner than a single strand of hair. When PM2.5 levels reach an “unhealthy” range, these particles can be easily inhaled, traveling deep into the lungs and, in some cases, entering the bloodstream. This can trigger irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as more serious effects such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. – Newsweek

The EPA says people should remain inside but pollutants can contaminate indoor air quality too.

How To Lessen Pollutants Indoors

These particles are so tiny, they can easily get inside homes and buildings. The EPA says folks should avoid adding additional contaminates to the air by doing things like burning candles, using wood burning stoves or indoor fires. Air purifiers or air filters, especially “high efficiency filters” are highly recommended to clear indoor air.

READ MORE: Where’s The Cleanest Air In Texas?

What Causes High Pollution Levels?

For our area, the leading contributors are dust and construction sites as well as smoke from fires, smokestacks and vehicle emissions among other things.

How To Protect Yourself From Poor Air Quality

Here are 10 ways to protect yourself from the smoke from nearby wildfires.

Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews

LOOK: Texas, New Mexico & Arizona Cities With the Worst Air PollutionSome cities in Texas, New Mexico & Arizona have been known to have severe air pollution; if you want to know which cities are the worst in all 3 states, here are the ones chosen by the American Lung Association.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus