Air may be unhealthy to breathe in parts of SC for some right now, NWS warns. Here’s why
Much of South Carolina is under an air quality alert today because of smoke produced by wildfires in Canada, the National Weather Service says.
The NWS began issuing air quality alerts for counties in the state at 8:42 p.m. Tuesday and continued through 8:59 p.m. All of the alerts are set to last through Wednesday.
“An air quality action day means that fine particulate concentrations may approach or exceed unhealthy standards,” the NWS states.
The counties under alerts include those mainly in the Midlands and the Upstate, but also some in the Pee Dee region.
For the full list of counties under alerts, click here.
The alerts were issued in response to smoke generated by hundreds of wildfires raging in parts of eastern and western Canada.
“The large swath of smoke is expected to create hazy skies and unhealthy breathing conditions, especially where wildfire smoke is most concentrated,” the NWS states. “Smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as aggravate or exacerbate chronic heart and lung diseases.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recommends that residents with respiratory issues limit the time they spend outdoors to avoid the possible smoke. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from getting inside your home. Also, if you have central air conditioning, keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent smoke from getting inside, DHEC states.
This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
