COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued an air quality alert for fine particulates, effective until midnight tonight. This alert is in effect for several Midlands counties, which include: Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter.
There are several prescribed burns scheduled for today, which is expected to cause haziness and smokey conditions in certain areas from these planned burns. This, along with high pressure, will decrease the air quality in the Midlands.
An air quality alert means that concentrations of fine particulates within the specified regions may reach or exceed unhealthy levels, particularly for individuals sensitive to particle pollution.
DHEC urges residents, especially those with respiratory health issues, to take precautionary measures to safeguard their well-being. Limiting outdoor activities and relocating indoors is advised to minimize exposure to smoke or fine particulates.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from infiltrating indoor spaces. Those with air conditioning units should ensure the fresh-air intake is closed and the filter remains clean to prevent the ingress of outdoor smoke and fine particulates.
Fine particulates, often emitted from various sources, including vehicle exhausts, industrial processes, and wildfires, can pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
DHEC continues to monitor air quality conditions closely and will provide updates and further guidance as necessary.
For more information and real-time air quality updates, residents are encouraged to visit DHEC's official website or follow their social media channels.
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