Thousands of Americans living near two major cities have been advised to stay indoors amid concerns over the levels of airborne pollutants, after some toxins in the atmosphere were revealed to be so lethal that they could even contribute to heart attacks. The US Environmental Protection Agency issued the warning over conditions in Florida’s Daytona Beach, and the city of Atlanta, Georgia. (Picture: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
According to the agency’s live tracking data, both cities have sharply elevated levels of PM2.5 – microscopic particles which are made up of heavy metals or toxic compounds, which are small enough to penetrate the lungs or irritate the respiratory system – or even be life-threatening in certain extreme cases. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)
In Daytona Beach – which is home to around 80,000 people – the PM2.5 levels were recorded as being 12.5 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization. According to the EPA and the air-quality tracking website IQAir, the air in Florida had exceeded 150 on the Air Quality Index. A reading above this figure means pollution has reached a point where the public may begin to experience adverse health effects – which could be serious in children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease. (Picture: IQAir)
These readings also passed the 150 mark in suburban areas around Atlanta, with figures inching as high as 160 in Roswell,Powder Springs, Dallas and Vinings. Parts of the region also saw PM2.5 concentrations more than 15 times the recommended safe levels from the WHO. This has led to residents in the affected areas being advised to avoid outdoor exercise, keeping windows closed and wearing a face mask if they do have to ventue outside. Those who own air purifiers have also been advised to use them. (Picture: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)
Air quality levels below 100 are considered low-risk, while 51-100 are considered risky for sensitive individuals. The risk increases from 101-150, while readings from 151-200 could impact everybody. Even short-term exposure to high levels of toxins in the air can cause health issues such as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Those who are more vulnerable or have underlying health issues can be more seriously affected, with shortness of breath, irregular heartbreats, asthma attacks and coughing, among the potential complications. (Picture: Getty Images)
The spike in air pollution has been linked to recent wildfire smoke sparking a condition known as stagnant air – where a lack of wind and high pressure trap pollution close to the ground. Both Daytona Beach and Atlanta had calm, dry weather on Tuesday with clear skies and only light winds – with the resultant high pressure preventing particles in the atmosphere from moving higher up or drifting away altogether (Picture: gispub.epa.gov/airnow)
This is in contrast to the usualy conditions in Daytona. Last year the American Lung Association awarded the town a B grade for particle pollution – praising it for having some of the cleanest air in Florida. (Picture Getty Images)
Cobb and Fulton counties in Georgia – which include Atlanta – were also ranked with a B grade. However Paulding County, which includes Dallas and Pickett’s Mill – both of which recorded dangerously high pollution levels this week – were not graded. The EPA also stated that six ‘prescribed fires’ – intentional blazes which serve specific purposes such as reducing fuel loads or maintaining ecosystems – were currently taking place in Talladega National Forest, just 75 miles west of Atlanta’s suburbs. (Picture: Getty Images)Add as preferred source