Air quality alerts published by the National Weather Service (NWS) spanned numerous states as of early Sunday, with officials warning of the potential risk to children’s health presented by pollution.
Why It Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) children’s lungs are still developing, which makes them particularly sensitive to wildfire smoke and ash. Fine particles (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke can also pose health risks for pregnant people and other vulnerable groups, the agency says.
Children exposed to wildfire smoke may experience chest pain and tightness, breathing difficulties, coughing, and irritation in the nose, throat, and eyes, among other symptoms.
What To Know
In Washington, alerts covered much of the eastern half of the state. Smoke from regional wildfires would cause air quality to reach unhealth levels, read one of the alerts for the state. It added that outdoor activities should be limited and children should be kept indoors if conditions are smoky.
An alert for a large part of western Wyoming explained: “Smoke from distant wildfires burning in Idaho, Washington, and especially British Columbia, are responsible for a large amount of the recent smoke. In Wyoming, the Dollar Lake wildfire north-northwest of Pinedale will continue to push smoke into the Upper Green River Basin given the prevailing wind direction.”
Young children and older adults were recommended to avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities.
Out-of-state wildfires had also prompted alerts across northwestern Colorado. “If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults,” the alerts said.
Air quality alerts also spanned western Montana and northern and north central Idaho. Degraded air quality from wildfire smoke could continue into early next week, though a pattern change by mid next week could improve conditions, the NWS Missoula office said.
In Oregon, alerts covered several counties, including Douglas, Lane, and Crook.
“Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels,” said the alerts.
“Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky.”
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Riverton, Wyoming, said in a post on X, Friday: “Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia will continue to filter into Wyoming this weekend…Air quality alerts are in effect for portions of the region through Sunday afternoon.”
NWS Great Falls, Montana, said on X, Saturday: “Smoke from regional wildfires will affect Southwestern Montana Today with periods of reduced visibility and air quality possible.”
What Happens Next
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website and social media channels.
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