Thousands Told Not To Drive in Three States
Ozone Action Day alerts have been issued for parts of Colorado, Texas and Arizona, which remain in force until Wednesday evening.
The warnings mean that ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels that could pose a risk to sensitive groups and the general public.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned in its alert notices that there is an "increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma."
It added: "Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion."
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued its alerts for Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, Araphoe, Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
In its warning, it urged people to limit driving gas- and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m.
It added: "Hot and stagnant weather conditions will result in ozone concentrations reaching the unhealthy for sensitive groups category."
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued its alert for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
"Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Wednesday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned," it said.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued its alert for the Phoenix Metro Area.
"Consolidate your travel, stabilize loose soils, slow down or avoid travel on dirt roads, reduce or eliminate fireplace use, and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment," it said.
The NWS said in its warning for Arizona: "Coarse particulate matter-also known as PM-10 - is an air contaminant that can aggravate heart and lung disease conditions, especially in older adults, children, and those with asthma. A decrease in physical activity is recommended."
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said on its website: "Ground-level ozone is an air pollution problem that impacts the health of all Coloradans. Exposure can cause acute respiratory problems and trigger asthma attacks. During Ozone Action alerts, avoid rigorous outdoor activity during the heat of the day. Prolonged exposure can cause long-lasting damage to your lungs.
"You can make a difference by doing your part to improve air quality along Denver's Front Range. Even during periods of wildfire smoke, reducing your personal emissions can help decrease ozone production. Combining or skipping just two car trips a week has a positive impact on our air quality."
Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults."
The warnings remain in effect until Wednesday evening.
Air quality warnings are updated regularly by the Environmental Protection Agency and NWS. Residents in affected areas can access real-time forecasts and health guidance via airnow.gov and local agencies as conditions develop.
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