Air Quality Alert: Big Bend Visitors Warned of Breathing Risks
Visitors at Big Bend National Park in Texas are facing unhealthy air quality levels, putting some people at risk. The warning came Tuesday as pollution levels rose in this popular tourist spot.
The EPA’s AirNow website showed an orange warning zone covering parts of West Texas and northern Mexico. This means the air could be dangerous for sensitive groups of people.
“The conditions could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with existing respiratory issues,” warns the Environmental Protection Agency, as reported by Newsweek.
Orange level
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the affected areas measured between 101-150 on Tuesday morning. At this orange level, certain groups face higher health risks when breathing the outdoor air.
Health experts take these warnings seriously. “There are very clear links between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” explained Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London. He added that “conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air pollution.”
Texas’ largest national park
Big Bend is Texas’ largest national park, covering more than 800,000 acres along the US-Mexico border. According to the National Park Service, the park welcomed over 560,000 visitors in 2024 who came to enjoy its beautiful desert landscapes and wildlife.
The park is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals, including more than 1,200 plant species, 450 bird species, and many mammals and reptiles.
Officials will keep watching the situation closely. Air quality maps are updated regularly and will show if conditions improve or get worse as weather patterns change.
If you’re planning to visit Big Bend, especially if you have breathing problems, are very young or elderly, check current air quality reports before your trip.
