News Summary
Residents in Jacksonville, Florida, are facing alarming air quality issues as levels of air pollution have reached unhealthy levels. More than 28,000 residents in nearby communities are affected, with experts warning of heightened health risks, particularly for sensitive populations. The EPA and NOAA are monitoring the situation, advising vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activities. Fine particles, known as PM2.5, pose serious health risks, potentially impacting lungs and the bloodstream. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take precautions to protect their health amidst the ongoing air quality problems.
Jacksonville, Florida is currently facing significant air quality concerns, as residents near the city were exposed to potentially harmful levels of air pollution on Thursday morning, October 23, 2025. A live map from AirNow has reported that air quality within the region has reached the “unhealthy” category, leading to increased health risks for thousands of people.
According to data, more than 28,000 residents in communities just north of Jacksonville—including Nassauville, Franklintown, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, O’Neil, Fawnwood, and Kingsland—have been affected by these unhealthy pollution levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other agencies, is actively monitoring the situation.
Experts warn that the deteriorating air quality poses heightened health risks, particularly for sensitive populations, including older adults, children, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions. The EPA has advised that vulnerable groups should avoid long or strenuous outdoor activities and consider rescheduling or moving these activities indoors when air quality is deemed unhealthy.
For the general population, the recommendation is to reduce long or intense outdoor activities and to take breaks more frequently. These precautions are vital as the Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 500, indicates greater levels of pollution and associated health risks with higher values.
Among the primary concerns regarding air quality is the presence of fine particles known as PM2.5. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream, causing serious health complications. Scientific studies have consistently linked exposure to particle pollution with adverse health effects, particularly among vulnerable groups such as those with heart or lung diseases, children, older adults, and individuals from low socioeconomic status backgrounds.
The AirNow platform provides continuous updates, allowing residents to stay informed about current air quality levels. For further regional weather forecasts related to air quality, residents are encouraged to check the National Weather Service’s website and its social media channels. This information is important for ensuring the health and safety of those living in affected areas.
The latest update on the air quality situation in Jacksonville was noted at 8:14 a.m. ET on October 23, 2025. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, particularly given the ongoing air quality issues.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Air Quality Health Risks
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- Jacksonville Air Quality Decline Report
- Google Search: Air Quality Health Effects
- Canada Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Alerts
- Google Scholar: Air Pollution Health Effects
- Jacksonville Clean Air Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Pollution
- Jacksonville State of the Air Report
- Google News: Air Quality Alert
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
