Why Officials Are Urging Residents in Three States to Stay Indoors Right Now

Thousands of Americans across Georgia, South Carolina, and Oregon are breathing unhealthy air this week as officials urge residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity whenever possible.

Air quality maps released Tuesday show sharply elevated levels of PM2.5 — microscopic particles made up of toxic compounds and heavy metals produced by vehicles, industrial activity, and wood burning. These fine particles are especially dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

In Augusta, Georgia, and nearby areas of South Carolina, including North Augusta, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings climbed to 166, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. Southern Georgia’s Valdosta is also dealing with persistently poor air, with forecasts showing multiple days above AQI 100 as pollution continues to build.

Central Oregon is facing similar conditions. In Bend and surrounding parts of Deschutes County, stagnant air has trapped pollutants near the ground, pushing air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range and prompting official health advisories.

What the Numbers Mean

The AQI scale runs from 0 to 500:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Moderate
• 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
• 151–200: Unhealthy for all

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can worsen asthma, trigger respiratory symptoms, strain the heart, and contribute to long-term lung damage.

What’s Causing the Poor Air

In Georgia and South Carolina, pollution is being driven largely by vehicle traffic, industrial emissions, and occasional controlled burns. Winter weather patterns — including temperature inversions and high-pressure systems — are preventing pollutants from dispersing, keeping haze and particles trapped close to the ground.