An air quality alert is in effect until midnight
Air quality alert in effect for parts of South Carolina | wltx.com WLTX.com
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Air Quality Alert for Midlands Counties in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued an air quality alert for fine particulates in several Midlands counties. This alert is in effect for the following counties: Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter.
Causes of Decreased Air Quality
- Several prescribed burns are scheduled for today, leading to haziness and smokey conditions in certain areas.
- High pressure is contributing to the decrease in air quality in the Midlands.
Impact of Air Quality Alert
An air quality alert indicates that concentrations of fine particulates in the specified regions may reach or exceed unhealthy levels. This is particularly concerning for individuals who are sensitive to particle pollution.
Precautionary Measures
DHEC advises residents, especially those with respiratory health issues, to take the following precautionary measures to safeguard their well-being:
- Limit outdoor activities and stay indoors to minimize exposure to smoke or fine particulates.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering indoor spaces.
- If you have an air conditioning unit, ensure the fresh-air intake is closed and the filter remains clean to prevent the ingress of outdoor smoke and fine particulates.
Health Risks of Fine Particulates
Fine particulates, emitted from various sources such as vehicle exhausts, industrial processes, and wildfires, can pose significant health risks. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are particularly at risk.
Monitoring and Updates
DHEC is closely monitoring air quality conditions and will provide updates and further guidance as necessary.
For More Information
For more information and real-time air quality updates, residents are encouraged to visit DHEC’s official website or follow their social media channels.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the air quality alert for fine particulates in several Midlands counties in South Carolina. This issue is directly related to the health and well-being of individuals (SDG 3), the sustainability of cities and communities (SDG 11), and the need for climate action to reduce air pollution (SDG 13).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under these SDGs include reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution (SDG 3.9), improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), and integrating climate change measures to address air pollution (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Concentrations of fine particulates within the specified regions reaching or exceeding unhealthy levels.
- Number of prescribed burns scheduled and their impact on air quality.
- Precautionary measures taken by residents, such as limiting outdoor activities and relocating indoors.
- Monitoring of air quality conditions by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the concentration of fine particulates in the air, the number and impact of prescribed burns, the adoption of precautionary measures by residents, and the monitoring of air quality conditions by DHEC.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Concentrations of fine particulates within the specified regions reaching or exceeding unhealthy levels. – Precautionary measures taken by residents, such as limiting outdoor activities and relocating indoors. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 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. | – Concentrations of fine particulates within the specified regions reaching or exceeding unhealthy levels. – Number of prescribed burns scheduled and their impact on air quality. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Number of prescribed burns scheduled and their impact on air quality. – Monitoring of air quality conditions by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). |
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Source: wltx.com
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