As the hazy blanket engulfed the Valley on Wednesday, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality categorized the day’s Ozone as moderate on the Air Quality Index. The winds carried smoke from wildfires near Los Angeles, affecting visibility and breathing for many residents.
In response to the moderate air quality index, Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency room physician at Valleywise Health, emphasized the importance of monitoring such conditions for people with respiratory issues like asthma. He described how the tiny particulate matters in the air can hinder breathing, especially for vulnerable individuals.
LoVecchio highlighted the symptoms that can arise from exposure to poor air quality, such as runny nose, coughing, and other upper respiratory irritations. While some individuals may not notice any immediate effects, long-term exposure to pollution can have severe consequences on health, leading to higher mortality rates and increased cancer risk.
Individuals with preexisting health conditions exacerbated by poor air quality are advised to minimize outdoor exposure and consider wearing an N95 mask when necessary. The forecast predicts improved air quality as stronger winds are expected to clear the smoke from the Valley on Thursday.
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