Thousands Urged to Stay Inside in Mississippi, California

Unhealthy PM2.5 levels prompt EPA warnings for residents to limit outdoor activity

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Thousands of residents in parts of Mississippi and California have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible due to 'unhealthy' levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in the air, according to the EPA's AirNow Map. The affected areas include sections of the Plumas National Forest and towns along Highway 70 in California, as well as coastal areas and inland communities in Mississippi.

Why it matters

PM2.5 is considered one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution because the tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating existing health conditions or triggering respiratory symptoms. The EPA's warnings aim to protect vulnerable populations, like children, older adults, and those with heart or lung disease, from the harmful effects of exposure.

The details

The AirNow map shows the affected areas in California include a large section of the Plumas National Forest, parts of Highway 395 near the Herlong junction, and several towns along Highway 70, including Portola, Mable, and Beckwourth. In Mississippi, the pocket of elevated PM2.5 is lingering over coastal areas like Long Beach, Gulfport, and Biloxi, and extending inland to affect Highway 67, Wortham, Saucier, and Orange Grove.

  • The EPA issued the air quality warnings on Sunday, February 8, at 4:30 a.m.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment, including monitoring and communicating air quality data through the AirNow program.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of monitoring and responding to air quality issues, especially for vulnerable populations, to mitigate the potential health impacts of exposure to dangerous pollutants like PM2.5. The EPA's warnings and guidance provide a model for how communities can take proactive steps to protect public health when air quality deteriorates.