Residents over large parts of Georgia and South Carolina are facing critical health warnings as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has extend “Unhealthy” levels specifically due to elevated concentrations of fine particle matter (PM2.5) also known as particle pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are urging thousands of Americans in affected areas to remain indoors and limit outdoor activity. Understanding these threat and the invisible warning of PM2.5 is crucial for safeguarding to your family’s health.
The Unseen Threat: Understanding PM2.5 and Health Risks
What is the PM2.5?
PM2.5 refers to the inhalable particles of pollution that is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter literally smaller than the single strand of hair because of this minute size these particles pose severe health risk as they can be inhaled deeply into lungs and even pass into the blood stream.
Health Concerns
When air quality levels are “Unhealthy” (an AQI score between 151 and 200) everyone in the area may begin to experience of health effects. The risks are particularly high for sensitive groups:
- Young children and the elderly people.
- Those with preexisting heart and lung conditions such as asthma.
- Individuals at risk of heart attacks or strokes.
- Pregnant women.
Uncovering to high particle pollution can trigger temporary symptoms like:
- Irritation eyes, nose, and throat.
- Coughing
- phlegm.
- Chest innfection or shortness of breath.
Why Are the PM2.5 Levels Elevated in Southeast?
The new spit in particle pollution over Southeast is linked to specific local meteorological conditions.
A spokesman for Georgia Department of Natural Resources noted that the elevated readings are likely due to:
- Local nearby burns and agriculture burns around the region.
- Dry, safe conditions and light to calm winds caused by a strong high pressure system which traps pollutants near ground instead of the allowing to disperse.
Common sources of PM2.5 that contribute to these conditions include:
- Fires and smokestacks
- Vehicle emissions from cars
- Industrial sites and power plants
The increased particle pollution also leads to haze which can reduce visibility and make driving hazardous to affecting both air quality and public safety.
Also Read: Hospital Turns Away Laboring Mother Woman Gives Birth on Side of Road and Speaks Out
How Air Quality Index (AQI)the Works.
The AQI is tool developed by the EPA to communicate current air quality using scale from 0 to 500 and six color coded categories. It helps residents take action based on the gravity of the air pollution.
| AQI Score Range | Category | Health Implications |
| 0-50 | Good (Green) | Little to no risk. |
| 51-100 | Moderate (Yellow). | Moderate concern for unusually sensitive people. |
| 101-150 | Un healthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange). | High risk groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. |
| 151-200 | Un healthy (Red) | Everyone may begin to experience health effects sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy (Purple) | Health alert, serious effects for the entire population. |
| 301-500 | Hazardous (Maroon) | Health warning of emergency conditions. |
Currently the counties in Georgia (like Burke, Columbia and Richmond) are reporting “Unhealthy” AQI values around 153. Meanwhile the several counties in South Carolina (including Hampton, York and Greenville) are under Moderate AQI threat.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on public health threat and data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the local natural resource agencies. It is the informational purposes only and is not medical advice.If you are experiencing the severe breathing difficulties, chest pain or other symptoms seek immediate medical attention.