Latest news with #JonathanGrigg
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions of Americans Urged to Avoid Driving in 3 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans across parts Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut were advised to avoid driving and limit outdoor activities after officials issued air quality alerts warning of potentially hazardous ozone pollution. Why It Matters The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that ozone exposure can irritate the respiratory system, inflame airways, and worsen preexisting conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with existing lung problems—face higher risks. What To Know In Colorado, an ozone action day alert was in effect until 4 p.m. for the Front Range Urban Corridor. "On Monday, ozone may reach levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the northern portions of the Front Range including Denver, Fort Collins, and Greeley," an air quality alert published by the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Counties affected by the alert included Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld. Residents in potentially affected areas were requested to help reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m., if possible. Active children and adults, as well as those with lung diseases should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, the alert advised. In Arizona, an ozone high pollution advisory was issued for the Phoenix metropolitan area for Monday. "This means that forecast weather conditions combined with existing ozone levels are expected to result in local maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations that pose a health risk," the alert said. "Adverse health effect increase as air quality deteriorates." Locals were urged to carpool, telecommute, or use public transportation. Air quality alerts also covered Fairfield and Litchfield counties in Connecticut, which were in effect until 11 p.m. EDT. In an aerial view, the downtown skyline is seen on July 15, 2023, in Phoenix. In an aerial view, the downtown skyline is seen on July 15, 2023, in People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham previously told Newsweek: "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels. "Ozone pollution is often more severe in urban areas where there are higher concentrations of pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, and industrial activities." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, previously told Newsweek 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." What Happens Next? The NWS issues forecast updates regularly on its website.
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Thousands Told Not To Drive in Three States
Thousands of Americans have been urged not to drive on Wednesday amid concerns over high air pollution levels. 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 and local agencies as conditions develop. Related Articles Severe Weather Throws Wrinkle in 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Vote'Torrential' Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Storms: Live Tracker MapsMillions of US Homeowners Issued Insurance Warning 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Over Half a Million Children Told to Avoid Going Outside Today
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Residents across parts of Arizona faced unhealthy levels of air pollution early on Tuesday, a live map from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed. Why It Matters Experts caution that poor air quality poses increased health risks for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions. What To Know EPA mapping showed high levels of air pollution in the "hazardous" category encompassing an area east of Phoenix, centered around Globe, the seat of Gila County, and the San Carlos Reservation. An AirNow Map displays which areas in Arizona faced the worst air quality early on Tuesday. An AirNow Map displays which areas in Arizona faced the worst air quality early on Tuesday. AirNow Another pocket of "hazardous" air quality was located southwest of here, just northwest of Tucson. "Avoid all physical activity outdoors," the EPA advises at this level. According to the EPA's map, Picture Rocks and Marana were among the locals this zone encompassed. Additionally, parts of Chandler and Gilbert faced air quality in the "unhealthy" category. Meanwhile, Phoenix and Scottsdale faced air quality that was "unhealthy for sensitive groups," which includes children. At this level, the EPA advises sensitive groups to make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. The Air Quality Index (AQI), developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 500: 0—50 (Green): Good — Air quality is satisfactory. 51—100 (Yellow): Moderate—Acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. 101—150 (Orange): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups—Affects people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant individuals. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups—Affects people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant individuals. 151—200 (Red): Unhealthy—Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Sensitive groups can experience more serious health effects. Unhealthy—Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Sensitive groups can experience more serious health effects. 201—300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy—The risk of health effects is increased for everyone Very Unhealthy—The risk of health effects is increased for everyone 301—500 (Maroon): Hazardous—Health warning of emergency conditions, everyone is more likely to be affected. What People Are Saying Professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine Jonathan Grigg, with Queen Mary, University of London told Newsweek: "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. "Their trajectory can be deviated so they don't actually achieve their maximum lung function." There are also "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, Grigg said. Additionally, Grigg said conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next Air quality maps are updated regularly. "You can find daily ozone forecasts and real-time ozone conditions for over 300 cities across the country at the AIRNow Web site: the EPA says.
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Hundreds of Thousands Told To Avoid Driving
Hundreds of thousands of people in Colorado have been urged to avoid driving gas and diesel vehicles on Thursday amid an air pollution warning. The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) issued an Ozone Action Day alert, meaning 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 that high ozone levels in the state on Thursday risk "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 Ozone Action Day alert is in force until 4 p.m. in Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties. The NWS said that "hot and stagnant conditions will allow ozone to reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups category." It added: "If possible, please help up reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m." The CDPHE said that people who are "unusually sensitive" to ozone should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exercise, and that everyone else should consider reducing outdoor activity. Meanwhile, an air quality alert has also been issued for Atlanta on Thursday. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division issued a Code Orange alert, meaning outdoor air quality is likely to be unhealthy for certain people. "Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest," a statement issued by NWS said. The CDPHE 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." 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 and local agencies as conditions develop. Related Articles Fake Psychologist Who Worked Government Jobs for Years Sentenced to PrisonBarry Morphew Indicted in Murder of Wife: What to KnowMap Shows Democrat States Rolling Back Health Care Benefits for Immigrants'Unintended Consequences' Put Forever Chemical in US Air for First Time 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Tens of Thousands In California Told To Stay Indoors
Tens of thousands of people in southern California have been advised to remain indoors as "emergency" air quality conditions impact parts of the Coachella Valley on Friday. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) AirNow map, which provides a real-time snapshot of air quality, shows that air pollution levels around Cathedral City and Thousands Palms are "very unhealthy" to "hazardous" on Friday morning. The warnings mean that the risk of negative health effects from air pollution is increased for everyone, not just vulnerable populations. Air pollution and extreme heat pose significant health risks to the general public, in particular for the young, seniors and vulnerable populations such as those with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The EPA warns that the current air pollution levels can lead to serious health issues, including reduced lung function, severe respiratory symptoms including chest pain and aggravated coughs, and increased hospital admissions. The AirNow Map shows that a maroon warning - the highest category - is in force for Cathedral city, which has a population of more than 50,000 people. A "hazardous" maroon warning means that pollution levels are of "emergency conditions," and that "everyone is more likely to be affected," the AirNow website says. A "very unhealthy" purple warning - the second highest category - covers Desert Edge, Sky Valley, Thousand Palms and Sunair. AirNow says that the risk of health effects are "increased for everyone" in these areas. Meanwhile, red warnings are also in force in the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage and parts of Palm Desert, along with a large area along the California-Arizona border including Yuma. Red warnings mean that "some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects." The EPA said that residents should stay inside wherever possible while the air quality is so poor. "Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups: remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keep particle levels low indoors." It added: "The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles... [which] aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases - and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, told Newsweek previously: "There are very clear links between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases." Air quality warnings are updated regularly by the EPA and National Weather Service. Residents in affected areas can access daily forecasts and health guidance via and local agencies, with officials providing current information as environmental conditions develop. Related Articles What Is A Heat Dome? Millions To Face Scorching Temperatures This WeekendRare Summer 'Winter' Storm To Strike With Two Feet of SnowUS Heat Wave Warnings: Live Tracker Maps 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
