Parents and educators are warned to limit the time of children spent outside in certain parts of the south of New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, THURSDAY, As shown by the forecasts of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air quality reaching “unhealthy” levels.
Why it matters
The air quality index category (AQI) at the red level – the coverage values from 151 to 200 – means that air is unhealthy for everyone, not just vulnerable populations. According to EPA, “some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects”.
Children are particularly at risk because they breathe more air compared to their body weight, spend more time outside and have lungs that still develop.
Prolonged exposure to pollutants such as ozone or fine particles can cause cough, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and can worsen conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Public health officials often recommend limiting the time spent outside when AQI levels increase, in particular for high -risk demographic data.
What to know
EPA air quality forecasts for Thursday show a concentration of AQI alerts at the red level centered on the south of the New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
The particles, or PM2.5, are particularly worrying. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the blood circulation, increasing the risk of heart attacks and pulmonary diseases.
School districts and caregivers in affected areas are encouraged to follow the directives issued by EPA to reduce children’s exposure. The agency recommends keeping children inside during recess, reprogramming outdoor sports activities and using air filters in houses and classrooms.
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Even healthy people may experience symptoms such as cough or throat irritation when air quality plunges into the red range. Those who suffer from asthma are advised to follow their health plans in health and keep the rescue inhabitants easily available. Symptoms should be taken seriously; If breathing becomes difficult or if the symptoms persist, medical care should be sought.
In New Mexico, poor air quality is “due to a combination of factors,” said a spokesperson for the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Nowsweek“In particular, strong winds and a recent lack of rainwhich contribute to blowing dust throughout the region. “”
“These conditions should have an impact on a large part of the New Mexico, in particular the southern and central regions,” said the spokesperson.
Suffering of dust also contributes to the quality of unhealthy air in Texas, said a forecast of the Environment Quality Commission (TCEQ) of Texas.
A TCEQ spokesperson has already said Nowsweek These air quality alerts are often based on forecasts, which does not necessarily mean that quality is in fact mediocre. Air quality frequently changes on the basis of many factors, including the direction and temperature of the wind.
What people say
A TCEQ forecast said: “The very gusty winds should develop through New Mexico, northern Mexico and parts of the third west of Texas.” Moderate “range in certain parts of the Amarillo region, and the lower end of the” moderate “beach in certain parts of the Big Bend, Lubbock and Midland-Odessa areas.”
The NME spokesman said Nowsweek:: “The National Weather Service has issued several red flag warnings, including for the Rio Grande Middle valley, where Albuquerque is located.
The spokesperson added: “While the Federal Government manages the air quality index (AQI) and generally issues formal air quality alerts, the New Mexico of the Ministry of Transport has issued a travel notice for the south of New Mexico tomorrow due to dust and visibility problems.”
What happens next
As air quality conditions evolve with weather conditions, residents are encouraged to check the updates in real time on ALLOW.GOV or through local environmental agencies. Steps like staying inside, using air purifiers and wear N95 masks during outdoor exposure can help reduce health risks.