Residents in four U.S. states are being encouraged to fill up their gas tanks early in the morning or late at night to help reduce air pollution levels. The National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts due to concerns about ozone formation and emissions.
Air quality alerts have been issued for multiple states on Friday, urging people to drive less and avoid filling up their cars after 6 pm to minimize emissions. The states with alerts include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Specific advisories include not filling up before 6 pm in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and refilling tanks early in the morning or after sunset in Oklahoma. The alerts warn of unhealthy air quality, especially for individuals with sensitive skin, asthma, the elderly, active children, and those engaging in physical activities.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures daily air quality, with code orange indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups at levels between 101-150 on the scale. A level 5 health warning, code purple, is issued when air quality reaches a very unhealthy state, impacting almost everyone.
For individuals with respiratory issues or health concerns, staying indoors is recommended. If going outside is necessary, limit outdoor activities to essentials and avoid using gas-powered equipment during alerts.
Additionally, a second air pollution alert has been issued for Alabama, Colorado, and Indiana, reinforcing the importance of reducing emissions and taking necessary precautions during these periods.