Wildfire Smoke Causes Unhealthy Air in St. Louis and Metro East
• Wildfire smoke has led to unhealthy air quality levels in St. Louis and the Metro East region as of Monday morning, July 20,
• According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the air quality index (AQI) in St. Louis reached 142 at 9 a.m., a level deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. The Metro East area recorded the seventh-worst AQI in the U.S. during mid-morning, as reported by AirNow, the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality tracker. The smoke originates from large wildfires burning in Canada and parts of the U.S., which have also caused poor air quality across the Mississippi River. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air quality alert for multiple counties in the Metro East region.
Impact & Risks
The current air quality poses risks to sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions such as asthma. Prolonged exposure to the particulate matter in the smoke can exacerbate health issues, particularly for those engaging in outdoor activities. Residents in the Metro East region and St. Louis are advised to take precautions as the air quality remains poor.
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