ST. LOUIS — Winds are nearly calm around the St. Louis Wednesday afternoon. In the wake of the morning rush hour, the pollution has been building across the area.
The Air Quality Index in St. Louis was 90 at noon, in the high end of the moderate category or yellow air quality. North of St. Louis, the air quality is in the orange category, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
According to the EPA, particle pollution comes from many different types of sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) include power plants, industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, wood stoves, and wildfires.
This type of pollution has been linked to a number of health problems, including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes.
Jason Hertwick shared photos from the SLU area.
The haze is being caused by pollution and the build-up of small particles.
The EPA notes that some people may be at greater risk from particle pollution including:
- People with cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels)
- People with lung disease, including asthma and COPD
- Children and teenagers
- Older adults
- Research indicates that obesity or diabetes may increase risk.
- New or expectant mothers may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies.
Winds are expected to remain light through the evening with the pollution peaking during and right after the evening rush hour. The breeze will increase by Thursday morning.