Nearly One Million People in Alabama Told To Limit Driving
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Nearly one million people in Alabama have been hit with a “Code Red” pollution warning—as air quality is so poor that drivers have been urged to avoid using their cars on Tuesday.
Newsweek has emailed the agency, which shared details of the Code Red via the National Weather Service (NWS), seeking further information and comment.
Emissions from a car’s exhaust pipe. Emissions from a car’s exhaust pipe. Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Why It Matters
“Particulate matter concentrations are expected to reach unhealthy levels,” said the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Vulnerable people, including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and young children, are most at risk, but the warning applies to some 900,000 people.
What To Know
The Code Red air quality alert covers Jefferson and Shelby counties in the center of Alabama, and was initially issued by the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH).
Drivers are urged to limit their journeys, take public transport, or car-share to help bring pollution levels down.
Jefferson is the most populous county in the state, with more than 674,000 residents according to the last census, and is home to the city of Birmingham. While Shelby County had more than 223,000 residents at the last count in 2020.
The alert follows similar pleas to motorists issued by several other states lately, with car owners in California and Texas urged to temporarily avoid driving gas- and diesel-powered vehicles and refrain from visiting gas stations. Officials in Indiana and Colorado have also turned their sights on road-users as they attempt to tackle the problem of poor air quality and pollution.
For those living in the affected areas, the JCDH recommended taking the following actions:
Limit driving and engine idling. Combine errands. Use the bus or carpool to work.
Avoid exposure to wood, forest, or agricultural smoke.
Reduce outside activity. Walk instead of jog. Do not exercise near busy roads.
Plan outdoor activities for days when particle levels are lower.
Avoid the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment.
What People Are Saying
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management said: “Outside particulate matter can affect indoor air quality, especially when outdoor levels are high. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent further circulation of particles. You can further reduce indoor particle levels by eliminating tobacco smoke, limiting cooking with wood, coal, oil, or natural gas, and limiting the use of candles, incense, and household cleaners. If breathing becomes difficult, move indoors.”
What Happens Next
The residents of Jefferson and Shelby counties should continue to monitor their local weather and air quality reports from the NWS for the most up-to-date information and advice.
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