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By Joe Edwards
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Poor air quality has been detected in multiple states surrounding California. The state has been hit with multiple deadly fires that left thousands of homes destroyed.
Why It Matters
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can reach deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, heightening the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
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According to the National Weather Service (NWS), exposure to particle pollution may trigger asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular complications.
What To Know
A live map from AirNow showed that, as of 10:42 a.m. ET, air quality considered unhealthy for sensitive groups was detected in parts of California, Oregon, and Idaho, while "unhealthy" air was detected in Washington state.
The Air Quality Index measured 156 near Forks, Washington, and received a rating of "unhealthy," meaning some members of the general public may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. No major wildfires were reported nearby, however.
According to AirNow, the AQI rankings are as follows:
- Good: 0-50
- Moderate: 51-100
- Unhealthy for sensitive groups: 101-150
- Unhealthy: 151-200
In Oregon, a 102 "unhealthy for sensitive groups" reading was recorded to the south of the Blue Mountains.
AirNow's map noted no nearby fires detected, but three wildfire incidents had been noted in more western parts of the state, the map showed.
Similar readings were recorded around Boise, Idaho.
Los Angeles was under air-quality alert from the NWS on Wednesday, Newsweek reported.
What People Are Saying
Rory Hadden, a fire science professor at the U.K.'s University of Edinburgh, previously told Newsweek: "All smoke is bad. Any time you see smoke from a fire, that pretty much always means it's got some very nasty stuff in it."
Los Angeles County's health officer Muntu Davis said in a statement on Saturday: "Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it's important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family's health. Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy."
What Happens Next
While there were no active air-quality alerts from the NWS in the aforementioned areas at the time of writing, the service does issue regular updates regarding any active air-quality alerts on its website.
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