Californians Warned to Avoid Gas Stations Across the State

According to these new alerts, drivers in specific counties of the state should steer clear of filling up their cars with gasoline, if at all possible.

Officials of the AQMD have revealed pollution has caused poor air quality in these areas. To try to limit this pollution as much as possible, they are asking California drivers to limit some interactions they normally have.

As overall air quality tends to be the worst during the hottest parts of the day, experts are asking drivers to only head to gas stations during the evening.

During this time, people are asked to only use gasoline-powered garden and lawn equipment in the evening. California residents should also only use household chemicals at night, as well.

The AQMD and National Weather Service (NWS) has identified where Californians are advised to wear masks outdoors due to fine particle pollution. During wildfire season, the most affected areas are San Bernardino and Riverside (both the cities and counties, as well as Ontario and Corona.

This latest warning reads, “Elevated levels of ozone the predominant summertime pollutant are likely to result in poor air quality in the afternoon and early-evening hours. Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone.”

A study recently found childhood exposure to air pollution could be directly linked to bronchitis symptoms in adulthood. “Our results suggest that childhood air pollution exposure has more subtle effects on our respiratory system that still impact us in adulthood,” said Erika Garcia, assistant professor at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.

They advise residents to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during times of peak heat, check in on your vulnerable neighbors such as the elderly, and make sure pets are not left inside vehicles.

“Air quality can change depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather can cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution,” the alert said.

Heatwaves can cause drought conditions which leaves the soil very dry and increase the chance of a fire. A wildfire is not only dangerous, but it also releases carbon monoxide and particle pollution into the atmosphere.

Many cities within these counties are affected by this air quality alert and have been asked to avoid gas stations until the evening.

Air quality alerts have become more and more frequent this year alone, as experts have tried to warn residents that the air in their regions has become incredibly poor. Officials are attempting to combat this poor air quality by asking Americans to refrain from gas stations from time to time.

Much of the country has been under what meteorologists call a “heat dome” for a few weeks now. Many states are forecasted to continue to be under excessive heat notices for the rest of this week. Officials have noted that the country’s excessively hot summer seems intent on continuing.

California’s average air quality index has improved by nearly 40 points since 1985, yet it is still has the second-worst air quality in the whole of the U.S., only behind Arizona. The American Lung Association reports that six of the 10 most air-polluted cities in the country are in California.

Wildfires have often worsened California’s air quality in the past. Now, this current fire could harm the state’s already poor air.

One Green Planet reported on a study conducted by the University of California that found 52,000 people died between 2008 and 2018 due to the air pollution that are caused by wildfires. These particulates can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular problems.

A new report has even indicated that 1,400 temperature records were broken in just one week thanks to these ongoing heat waves seen throughout the world.

Scientists have pointed to human-caused climate change as the reason why both higher temperatures and pollution are seen this summer.

In a state overrun with wildfires, drought, and extreme heat, four out of the five most polluted cities in the country are in California. This amounts to more than 131 million people who are exposed to harmful ozone and particle pollution.

David Weiskopf, senior policy advisor for NextGen California, said: The climate crisis doesn’t take a break for tough budget years. Anything we put off for later will only cost us more […] as the climate crisis worsens.”

Now, legislators are pushing for bonds for programs to prepare coastlines for rising sea levels and making electric vehicles more affordable for Californians. “These are programs intended to reduce harmful pollution,” said Will Barrett, a senior director of the American Lung Association.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has rolled back a rule from 2011 where polluters did not have to pay pollutions as long as the air district dedicated a dollar-for-dollar match toward emission reduction initiatives. The air district has missed out on $200 million in pollution fees.

“Today’s action is a critical step forward that will better protect workers, families and communities from the dangerous and costly impacts of fine particle pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The new standard is expected to prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths annually and save $46 billion in health benefits by 2032.

The NWS has warned that Independence Day celebrations might not be as safe as usual due to the hot weather. “Be careful with any potential fire ignition sources, including 4^th of July fireworks,” it warned.