Residents near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, faced potentially harmful levels of air pollution on Friday morning, a live map from AirNow showed.
The map showed levels of fine particle (PM2.5) pollution in the “unhealthy” category spanning communities east and south of Baton Rouge, including over Gonzales, Albany, Donaldsonville, Killian, Independence, Montpelier, and Pine Grove.
AirNow is a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other agencies.
Why It Matters
Experts caution that deteriorating air quality heightens health risks for vulnerable populations, such as older adults, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses.
What To Know
When air quality reaches the “unhealthy” category for air pollution, the EPA advises sensitive groups to avoid long or intense outdoor activities, and to consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors…