Southern U.S. Fires Raise Smoke Concerns
Posted on: Thursday, 31 May 2007, 12:00 CDT
U.S. scientists are issuing daily smoke forecasts to determine potential health risks caused by wildfires occurring across parts of Georgia and Florida.
The forecasts, requested by the Georgia State Department of Health, are being produced by the Southern Research Station Smoke Management Team located at the Center for Forest Disturbance Science in Athens, Ga.
Smoke from fires in southern Georgia and northern Florida has affected some airport operations as well as traffic along interstate highways across both states. The smoke forecasts are expected to be particularly useful when deciding to issue warnings for sensitive populations such as infants and children, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic heart or lung diseases.
The forecasts focus on a specific class of pollutant -- particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter -- that is known to be associated with respiratory problems.
Fire conditions across the region are the worst in decades and fires are expected to burn throughout the area for at least six weeks.
Source: United Press International
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