Millions told to lock windows now as life-threatening toxic air spreads across multiple US states
Hazardous conditions along the US southern border have prompted health officials to warn Americans to stay indoors with the windows shut. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its highest level of alert about the air quality over Texas and New Mexico, calling the pollutants currently in the air over a 150-mile swath of land 'hazardous' to human health.The toxic cloud is centered over El Paso, Texas, which sits along the US border with Mexico, in an area already under a high wind alert on Tuesday, which may be contributing to blowing in nearby smoke and dust.The National Weather Service (NWS) specifically issued a blowing dust advisory for El Paso and Santa Teresa, New Mexico on Tuesday. Air quality-tracking website IQAir warned that the area is full of PM10, a type of air pollution made up of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets floating in the air that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter, thinner than a human hair.These inhalable particles can get deep into your lungs when you breathe them in and are typically created by dust from construction, pollen, mold, smoke, soot, industrial emissions, and wind-blown dirt.PM10 is noticeably larger than PM2.5, the microscopic particles composed of toxic compounds or heavy metals from car exhaust and factory emissions.However, both can damage the lungs, worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, and even contribute to heart attacks and strokes that cause premature death if you breathe in large amounts. Smoke seen over El Paso, Texas in February 2025. Pollutants such as PM10 are typically composed of large particles from smoke, soot, and other toxic emissions (Stock Image) The EPA's AirNow tracking system reported extremely hazardous air over Texas and New Mexico on TuesdayReal-time tracking of the Air Quality Index (AQI) along the US border registered at 290, which is considered extremely dangerous for all individuals, sick or healthy.Air quality levels are measured on a scale from 0 to 500: good (0–50) carries little risk, moderate (51–100) may affect sensitive individuals, unhealthy for sensitive groups (101–150) poses increased risk and unhealthy (151–200) impacts everyone, limiting outdoor activity.According to IQAir, the air quality reading of 290 at the US-Mexico border was worse than any major city on Earth on Tuesday, surpassing Dhaka, Bangladesh (248) and both Delhi, India and Lahore, Pakistan (241).Approximately one million people are living in the great El Paso metropolitan area alone. Along with their blow dust advisory, NWS warned: 'Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the storm passes. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero.''If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal.'NWS has also issued a widespread Red Flag Warning and high wind advisories throughout the Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains.Red Flag Warnings mean that the conditions for wildfires have reached a critical point, and any spark may set off a large blaze. El Paso, Texas, looking toward the US southern border and Juarez, Mexico (Stock Image)Read More Strange changes to air over Hawaii spark fears of deadly plane plunges... and danger is spreading Anyone in the affected area has been advised to avoid outdoor exercise, limit their time outside, wear a face mask if they leave their home, close all windows to prevent smoke and dust from entering, and turn on air purifiers.Typically, air quality alerts are set off by stagnant air, where high atmospheric pressure and little to no wind keep airborne pollutants from floating away.In this instance, Texas and New Mexico are both under severe wind warnings, with the NWS predicting gusts reaching hurricane-force strength at over 75mph in certain areas on Tuesday. 'High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, the NWS added in their alert.'Plumes of blowing dust will create pockets of low visibility. Visibilities will likely change rapidly over short distances, making travel hazardous in these areas.'
