Air pollution reaches unhealthy levels in Shenandoah Valley due to multiple wildfires
Air pollution reaches unhealthy levels in Shenandoah Valley due to multiple wildfires The News Leader
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Multiple Wildfires Continue to Burn in Shenandoah Valley Region
As of 6 a.m. Friday morning, multiple wildfires are still burning in and around the Shenandoah Valley region. Firefighters are actively working to extinguish the fires, but the air quality is expected to change throughout the day.
Air Quality Alert in Staunton
Late Thursday evening, the air pollution levels in Staunton reached extreme levels, with a reading as high as 285, according to a local monitoring site on Marquis Street available on the AirCare app. However, as of Friday morning, the levels have reduced to 156 in Staunton on the AirCare app, indicating very poor air quality. It is recommended for people to close windows, avoid outdoor activities, and wear pollution masks outdoors as needed. Another option is to use the IQAir app, which has a local monitoring site in Sears Hill, Staunton.
Code Orange Air Quality Alert
A code orange air quality alert is also in effect for Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties until midnight Friday, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. This alert indicates that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Impacts on Outdoor Activities
Not all areas will be affected at the same time due to the nature of smoke plumes and wind direction. However, it is advised for active children and adults to limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities until conditions improve. People who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), children, and the elderly should also avoid strenuous outdoor activities until conditions improve. Individuals with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy, as recommended by the DEQ.
Additional Information
For additional information, visit the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s air quality website at: www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/air/monitoring-assessments/air-quality-forecast.
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More:Shenandoah National Park issues closures for 450-acre wildfire in Luray
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Air quality index (AQI) levels
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Air pollution levels in specific areas
Analysis
The article discusses the issue of wildfires in the Shenandoah Valley region and the resulting air pollution. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of air pollution from wildfires is directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 3.9, which focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution. The article mentions the air quality index (AQI) levels as an indicator to measure progress towards this target. The AQI levels mentioned in the article indicate the severity of air pollution and its potential impact on public health.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The issue of air pollution in cities, particularly in Staunton, is connected to SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 11.6, which focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The article mentions air pollution levels in specific areas as an indicator to measure progress towards this target. The article highlights the air pollution levels in Staunton and the recommended actions to mitigate the impact of poor air quality.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air quality index (AQI) levels |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air pollution levels in specific areas |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newsleader.com
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