Juarez smoke causing respiratory issues for some El Paso residents

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- For several days now, visible smoke has been rising from behind the Juarez mountains and blowing east due to the wind direction. ABC-7 has received numerous complaints about the smoke and how it's impacting people's health.

After checking the air quality map from IQAir, there is a massive difference in air quality from westside and central El Paso to the Lower Valley. The air quality index for the area near N. Mesa and Doniphan is 12, which is considered a good, healthy index number. For downtown El Paso, the index is at 24, which is still considered healthy. As you move to the Lower Valley, indexes range from 96 to 141, which is air that's considered moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

For people with breathing illnesses such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, or anything else, inhalation of smoke can cause severe complications with their breathing. Those living in the Lower Valley are experiencing the worst air and are having to cope with the negative effects.