The Jefferson County Department of Health has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Jefferson and Shelby Counties on Tuesday, March 11. The poor air quality is a result of smoke from a prescribed burn in Winston County in northwest Alabama. The smoke plume has worked its way down into the Birmingham area tonight, leading to elevated particulate matter levels.
Under these conditions, air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should limit prolonged or strenuous exertion outside.
To reduce exposure, residents should limit time outdoors and avoid exercising near busy roads. Staying indoors with windows and doors closed can help minimize the impact of poor air quality. Reducing vehicle emissions by carpooling or using public transportation can also help limit further pollution. Gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment should be avoided when air quality is poor.
Indoor air quality can also be affected when particulate matter levels are high. To improve indoor conditions, residents should avoid burning wood, using candles or incense, and minimize cooking with fuels like wood, coal, oil, or natural gas. If breathing becomes difficult, moving indoors can help reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
The situation will continue to be monitored, and updates will be provided as needed.
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