Residents across parts of Southern California and Arizona have been urged to stay inside as unhealthy levels of air pollution dominate the area, according to an interactive map from AirNow.
Los Angeles, Phoenix Being Hit by Unhealthy Levels of Particulate
The maps show an area of fine particle pollution reaching the “unhealthy” category in the Air Quality Index in many parts of Los Angeles and Phoenix. Elevated level of PM2.5, fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers – 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair – have been seen across much of Southern California and Arizona.
When air quality reaches the unhealthy category, the Environmental Protection Agency warns sensitive groups to avoid long or intense outdoor activities and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. For everyone else, the EPA urges residents to reduce long or intense activities, while taking more breaks during outdoor activities.
Understanding EPA’s Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above:
- 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.
Los Angeles saw figures well over 100, while Phoenix was hit with numbers in the mid-200’s earlier Monday morning before they dipped back down to an “unhealthy” range.
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