Austin experienced one of the worst air quality levels in Texas on Tuesday as a combination of high winds, dust, and wildfire smoke created hazardous conditions.
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Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels
By 6 p.m. Tuesday, air quality in Austin reached the unhealthy range, according to AirNow, a national air quality monitoring agency. The decline was fueled by:
- Wind gusts up to 50 mph, which stirred up large amounts of dust.
- Wildfires in Hays County, further worsening air pollution.
Health Precautions for Residents
Officials recommend that vulnerable groups—including those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens—take extra precautions:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Limit time spent outside or move activities indoors.
For the general population:
- Reduce heavy breathing activities while outdoors.
- Limit time spent outside.
- Be active when air quality improves.
Additional Protective Measures
To minimize exposure to airborne particles from dust and smoke, residents are advised to:
- Wear a mask when outdoors.
- Change clothes after being outside.
- Shower at night to remove particles from hair and skin.
- Use a nasal rinse to clear out dust and smoke particles.
Austin’s air quality is expected to fluctuate, and residents should monitor official updates to stay informed about changing conditions.
