Image by Ylvers from Pixabay

Friday the 6th we had smog. No, not form industry but from the West Coast fires which are moving east with the prevailing winds.

That haze outside your window Friday? It was smoke from wildfires burning in California, Canada and other western areas. The smoke has been moving across the U.S. for weeks and has finally reached Louisiana, the state Department of Environmental Quality said. Combined with other weather factors, the smoke has lowered air quality in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. As of Friday at noon, the air quality for most of the state was “moderate,” due to fine particle pollution. People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution should consider reducing their time outside.

nola.com

Smoke is not good for many, especially if they have respiratory problems.

Children, elderly people and people with underlying health conditions are most at risk from particle pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says. Others are: people with cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels) , people with lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, children and teenagers, older adults, eople with obesity or diabetes might be at an increased risk and New or expectant mothers might also take precautions to protect the health of their babies.

Wildfires put out particles that can float in the air so as the wind brings us the smoke the particles are embedded in it.

Wildfires emit huge volumes of microscopic smoke particles that researchers say can be harmful if inhaled and lead to both immediate and long-term health problems. Particle pollution is linked to coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes. It also is linked to early death. On Saturday, light winds will gradually disperse the smoke and bring cleaner air to Louisiana, the Department of Environmental Quality said. However, air quality might not improve much because of ozone formation and smoke carryover from previous days.

So the worst is over but lingering problem remain. To see what your  air quality for your ZIP code is click the hyperlink.

West Coast smoke reaches us
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