Thousands of people in Arizona and Oklahoma have been urged not to drive on Friday amid concerns over high air pollution levels.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued an ozone high pollution advisory for the Phoenix Metropolitan Area on Friday as pollution levels are expected to pose a health risk.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has also issued an air quality alert for ozone from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday for the Oklahoma City and Lawton areas.
Why It Matters
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that sensitive groups—children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions—might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions.
“Ozone air pollution can cause serious health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage,” it said.
“Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.”
The NWS encouraged those with preexisting heart and respiratory ailments to reduce physical exercise and outdoor activities.
What To Know
In Arizona, the ADEQ has urged people in affected areas to car pool, telecommute or use mass transit on Friday. It has also urged residents to reduce their use of gasoline-powered equipment, or limit it to later in the day.
In Oklahoma, the DEQ has urged people in affected areas to travel by bus, car pool, and avoid unnecessary trips. It also urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and the use of two cycle engines such as weed trimmers, lawn mowers, outboard engines and motorcycles.
Meanwhile in California, the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has issued an air quality alert for harmful levels of ozone pollution until 8 p.m. on Friday.
Residents in the region have been urged to limit trips to gas stations, along with the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment, and household chemicals until the evening.
The Imperial County APCD issued advice on how to keep indoor air clean, saying: “Keep windows and doors closed; run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier; do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool; avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, and grilling.”
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has also issued an air quality alert for coarse particle pollution from blowing dust for west central and northwest portions of the state until 9 p.m. on Friday.
“Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections,” the agency said.
“Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.”
The agency said that the health impacts from blowing dust can be reduced by wearing a face mask or covering, particularly if residents plan on spending time outdoors.