Thousands of Americans near two major metro areas were warned Tuesday to stay indoors after airborne pollution spiked to levels considered dangerous to human health.
Air quality monitors operated by the Environmental Protection Agency flagged unsafe conditions in Daytona Beach, Florida, and the Atlanta, Georgia, metro area early Tuesday, according to live tracking data.
The alerts were driven by sharply elevated concentrations of PM2.5, microscopic particles made up of toxic compounds and heavy metals small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Health experts say prolonged or intense exposure can inflame the respiratory system and increase the risk of heart attacks and other serious conditions.
Officials tied the surge to wildfire smoke mixing with stagnant air, a weather pattern marked by weak winds and high atmospheric pressure that traps pollution close to the ground instead of allowing it to disperse.
In Daytona Beach, home to about 80,000 residents, PM2.5 levels were measured at 12.5 times higher than what the World Health Organization considers safe. Both the EPA and air quality tracking site IQAir classified air conditions in parts of Florida as unhealthy for all residents, with Air Quality Index readings exceeding 150.
Across Atlanta’s suburbs, multiple locations recorded AQI readings between 150 and 160, including Dallas, Powder Springs, Roswell and Vinings. In some areas, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded WHO guidelines by more than 15 times.
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500. Readings from 0 to 50 are considered good, while 51 to 100 are moderate. Levels between 101 and 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Readings above 150 are considered unhealthy for everyone and typically trigger warnings to limit outdoor activity.
Residents in affected areas were urged to avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, use air purifiers if available and consider wearing a face mask when going outside.
Health officials warned that even short-term exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. For vulnerable individuals, including those with heart or lung conditions, exposure can trigger asthma attacks, irregular heart rhythms, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
The pollution spike follows wildfire smoke that forced the partial closure of Interstate 95 south of Daytona Beach on Sunday and Monday due to low visibility.
Meteorologists pointed to unusually high atmospheric pressure as a key factor. Normal sea-level pressure is about 1,013 millibars, but readings in parts of Florida and Georgia topped 1,020 millibars Tuesday.
While high pressure often brings calm and clear weather, it can also prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing smoke and emissions to linger near ground level.
This is a developing story. More information is expected.
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