Closing Summary
Here is a wrap-up of the day’s key events:
Oil and gas companies in West Texas released hundreds of tons of toxic gases into the air last week as a record-breaking heatwave drove pressure inside pipelines and compressors to dangerously high levels. In order to avoid explosions, operators release gas into the air, including the potent greenhouse gas methane, which traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Methane also contributes to ground-level ozone pollution, which can cause breathing problems and other health issues.
The National Weather Service has recommended keeping strenuous activity to a minimum as a record-breaking heatwave sweeps across multiple states. In addition to using a buddy system, the NWS urged individuals to limit exercising outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
A handful of events across northeastern US and Canada have been cancelled due to poor air quality. The events ranged from Pride events to live horse races as well as concerts.
The National Weather Service has issued a fireworks warning as the country heads into next week and Independence Day with record-breaking temperatures across the country. “In addition to the increasing temperatures, fire danger will also be increasing as we head into next week and Independence Day. Please be safe with fireworks and review any and all burn bans in your area,” it said.
Excessive heat warning and advisories have been issued across much of California into the desert southwest, the National Weather Service announced on Friday. “The interior valleys of central and northern California will see afternoon temperatures climbing well up into the 100s to near 110 degrees at the hottest locations on Saturday, while the Desert Southwest will see high temperatures reaching well up into the 110s. These temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses in these areas by this weekend,” the NWS said.
The Pennsylvania department of environmental protection has declared Friday a Statewide Code Orange Air Quality Action Day. The average air quality index reading for the entire day will likely be in the code orange range although some local conditions could be in code red, the PDEP said.
Three US cities rank highest in the world for the worst air quality and pollution as of Friday morning. According to IQAir, New York City ranked number one with an air quality index of 157, which IQAir has categorized as “unhealthy.” Washington DC and Chicago came in fourth and fifth, with AQIs of 124 and 108, respectively. Both cities’ air qualities have been deemed as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Just three weeks after New York was shrouded in an apocalyptic layer of smoky yellow haze, the state has once again issued an air quality alert for all five boroughs. The alert, which governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday, is set to last until 11:59pm Friday.
That’s it from me, Maya Yang, as we wrap up the blog for today. Thank you for following along.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America urged its signatory contractors to understand the hazards of wildfire smoke and implement necessary controls to ensure the safety of workers.
The union also proposed the option of wearable technology, which, “depending on the product…have the ability to deliver valuable information about workers’ health, including their risk for heat illness.”
“Wildfire smoke can negatively impact workers’ health,” says @LIUNA GP and LHSFNA Labor Co-Chairman Brent Booker. “LIUNA signatory contractors should understand the hazard, implement controls and educate members about the steps they can take.”https://t.co/rOSJIg8YdH
— Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America (@LHSFNA) June 30, 2023
