NEWSWEEK – Millions of Americans have been urged to watch out for unusual fatigue and palpitations amid concerns over high air pollution levels.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of air quality alerts on Tuesday for large swathes of Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas and California.
The warnings mean ground-level ozone and particulate concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. In some areas, the pollution comes from drifting wildfire smoke.
Why It Matters
The NWS warned that the general public as well as sensitive groups — children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions.
“People with heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider,” it said. “People with asthma: follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy.”
It added: “Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease, heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.”
What To Know
In Connecticut and Rhode Island, Air Quality Action Days have been issued until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, covering urban areas such as New Haven, Hartford, Providence and Newport.
The alerts mean that ground level ozone levels may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.
Air quality alerts have been issued in New York and Massachusetts until 11 p.m., covering areas including the Bronx, Queens, Boston and Plymouth. In New Hampshire, an air quality alert has been issued until 10 p.m.
In Minnesota, an air quality alert for fine particle pollution has been issued until 9 a.m., and in Wisconsin an air quality advisory has been issued for most northern counties until 3 p.m. …
