Air quality warnings that specifically mention children, the elderly and vulnerable people were issued across three states on Labor Day.
Alerts were in place for parts of California, Montana and Idaho until different times on Monday.
In California, a warning has been put in place until 2 p.m. because of elevated particle pollution caused by wildfire smoke. This summer has seen the state plagued with wildfires, which have burnt more than 800,000 acres, killed one civilian and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's most recent update.
The alert covers Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta and Coachella.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) said: "If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible."
It also said you should avoid vigorous physical activity, use an air conditioner and/or air purifier and try to avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air.
Other tips include avoiding burning wood in your fireplace and minimizing sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying and grilling.
Wearing an N-95 or P-100 respirator will help "if you must be outdoors," but try to "keep the time brief," the AQMD said, adding that it will also help to limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
It went on to warn that exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems. For example, it can aggravate lung disease and cause asthma attacks, acute bronchitis and other respiratory issues.
"People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality," the AQMD added. "People with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate."
Montana and Idaho
Meanwhile, in Montana, a warning covers Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders and Silver Bow counties until 4 p.m. on Monday – also because of elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality said: "When air quality is unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.
"When air quality is moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion."
Particulate levels in Hamilton will be unhealthy as of 2 p.m., while being moderate in Butte, Dillon and Missoula at the same time.
Similarly, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Custer County until 3 p.m. MDT on Tuesday because of degraded air quality caused by wildfire smoke.
The department said: "Air pollutants can cause breathing difficulties for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems.
"Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rules.
"It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors."
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About the writer
Jordan King is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on human interest-stories in Africa and the ... Read more
