Health officials across multiple US states have issued urgent warnings as thousands of Americans are forced to breathe dangerously polluted air. Residents in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Oregon are being advised to stay indoors where possible due to hazardous air quality levels.
Widespread Pollution Reaches Unhealthy Levels
Real-time air quality maps on Tuesday revealed alarmingly high concentrations of PM2.5 across several regions. These microscopic particles, which contain toxic organic compounds and heavy metals, are primarily emitted from vehicles, industrial sites, and wood burning.
In Augusta, Georgia, and neighbouring areas of South Carolina like North Augusta, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 166. This reading is classified as 'unhealthy' for the entire population, prompting serious public health concerns.
Southern Georgia's city of Valdosta is also contending with persistently poor air. Forecasts indicate more days exceeding an AQI of 100 are likely, driven by ongoing environmental stressors.
Weather Patterns Trap Dangerous Pollutants
The crisis stems from a combination of local emissions and specific meteorological conditions that prevent pollution from dispersing. In the Southeastern US, winter weather patterns including temperature inversions and high-pressure systems are trapping pollutants close to the ground.
This phenomenon is creating a lingering haze of particulates in the breathing zone. Primary sources in Augusta and surrounding areas include vehicle traffic, industrial emissions, and occasional controlled burns.
Similarly, in Central Oregon, the city of Bend and Deschutes County are under an extended Air Stagnation Advisory. Light winds and high pressure are trapping pollutants from residential wood-burning and vehicle exhaust, pushing AQI into the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' range.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory effective until 7am PT on Friday.
Public Health Advice and Further Warnings
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to this level of pollution can trigger respiratory issues, aggravate asthma, strain the cardiovascular system, and contribute to long-term lung damage.
Authorities are emphatically urging residents, especially children, older adults, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, to take the following precautions:
- Minimise all outdoor activity.
- Stay indoors with windows closed when possible.
- Avoid strenuous exercise outside.
- Monitor local air quality forecasts for updates.
Compounding the issue in Oregon, the National Weather Service has also issued a freezing fog advisory for several counties, including Benton, Linn, and Lane. This has reduced visibility to a quarter mile in places and created slick surfaces from rime ice.
An Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect for the Willamette Valley, Portland Metro, and surrounding areas through Friday morning, with similar poor conditions affecting central, eastern, and northern Oregon and extending into southeast Washington.
Officials stress that these unhealthy air quality conditions are expected to persist until at least Friday. They advise motorists to drive cautiously during morning commutes and urge the public to limit activities like outdoor burning that could worsen pollution.
