Thousands across three states told to stay inside, share rides

Thousands of residents in communities across parts of Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Alabama have been advised to stay indoors on Tuesday, February 10, as pockets of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) have reached “unhealthy” and “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Weather Service (NWS) alerts.  

When PM2.5 levels fall within these ranges, the EPA urges people—particularly those in sensitive groups, which include the elderly, children, and those with existing heart or lung conditions, such as asthma—to limit their exposure to the polluted air by either reducing or avoiding “strenuous activity and exercise outdoors.” 

This is a developing story. More to follow.