"Air quality maps showed sharply elevated PM2.5, tiny particles carrying toxic organic compounds or heavy metals from vehicles, industry, and wood burning, creating serious health risks. Pinehurst, near Fresno, California, recorded a hazardous AQI of 463, while Clovis, with more than 120,000 residents, hit 338. Sacramento's metro area registered an unhealthy AQI of 160. Air quality ranges from 0-50, which is satisfactory with no health risks, to 101-150, unhealthy for sensitive groups who should limit prolonged outdoor activity."
"In the South and Midwest, Batesville, Arkansas reached 151, and Ripley, Missouri hit 182, driven by inversions that trap emissions from wood burning and other local sources. Farther east, rural Northeast and Appalachian towns, including Harrisville, Rhode Island, and Davis, West Virginia, recorded unhealthy AQI readings of 153 and 154, primarily from residential wood stoves during cold snaps. These spikes highlight a recurring winter phenomenon: calm, cold air creates inversions that trap pollutants, turning routine emissions into health hazards."
Hazardous PM2.5 levels spread across California, the Midwest, Appalachians, and the Northeast, prompting recommendations to stay indoors. Pinehurst near Fresno recorded an AQI of 463, Clovis hit 338, and Sacramento's metro area reached 160. Small towns in the South and Midwest such as Batesville, Arkansas (151) and Ripley, Missouri (182) experienced unhealthy readings driven by inversions trapping wood smoke and local emissions. Rural Northeast and Appalachian communities, including Harrisville, Rhode Island (153) and Davis, West Virginia (154), saw similar spikes from residential wood stoves during cold snaps. Calm, cold air and basin-like geography in the Central Valley trap pollutants overnight, creating hazardous peaks before dawn. Prolonged exposure can inflame lungs, worsen respiratory conditions, and strain the cardiovascular system.
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