UPDATE: Millions of Americans are being urgently advised to avoid drive-thru lanes as air quality alerts sweep across multiple states. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that high levels of air pollution, including ground-level ozone and particulate matter, are expected to reach hazardous conditions in Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Montana.
The NWS issued these alarming alerts earlier today, indicating that sensitive groups—such as children, seniors, and those with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—are at risk for serious health effects due to poor air quality. The situation is exacerbated by wildfire smoke drifting into populated areas.
Why This Matters: As ground-level ozone levels rise, the NWS warns that breathing difficulties may affect vulnerable populations. The advisory states, “Ozone is an air contaminant which can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, as well as persons with respiratory problems.” Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and remain indoors as much as possible.
In Texas, an Ozone Action Day has been declared for the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria areas today. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality urges residents to share rides, walk, or bicycle instead of using drive-thrus. “You can help prevent ozone pollution by conserving energy and keeping your vehicle properly tuned,” the agency stated.
Similarly, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an ozone high pollution advisory for the Phoenix Metro Area. Residents are encouraged to carpool, telecommute, or utilize public transit to reduce emissions. They also recommend minimizing the use of gasoline-powered equipment, especially during peak hours.
In Oregon, an air quality advisory remains active for parts of Lane County until 9 p.m. PT on July 13, 2023, due to wildfire smoke’s impact on air quality. “Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times,” warned the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency.
Washington state officials have also issued air quality alerts for Kittitas, Yakima, Stevens, Spokane, Lincoln, and Grant Counties, citing dangerous levels of particulate matter from wildfire smoke. In Montana, an air quality alert is in effect until 9 a.m. PT for several counties, including Daniels, Dawson, and McCone.
The Washington State Department of Ecology advises the public to limit outdoor exposure. “When air quality is unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure,” they said. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated and indoors, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
Experts are echoing these warnings. Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine, stated, “There are very clear links between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.” He emphasized the particular vulnerability of children, whose lungs are still developing.
What Happens Next: The majority of these air quality warnings are expected to remain in effect throughout Wednesday and into Thursday. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates regarding air pollution levels via the NWS website and the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow interactive map for real-time information.
Stay tuned for further developments as officials continue to assess and respond to this critical public health situation.