The South Coast AQMD has updated an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke in the region. The air quality alert is in effect Wednesday and Thursday.The South Coast AQMD has also issued an air quality alert for the Coachella Valley due to increased particle pollution from blowing dust in effect until 8 AM Thursday. If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible. Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling. If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a tightly-fitted N-95 or P- 100 respirator to help reduce exposure. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment. Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate. In areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity. Run your air conditioner or an air purifier. If temperatures allow, avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on fire behavior and local weather conditions. To view current and forecasted air quality levels in the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District website at aqmd.gov or download the mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.aqmd.gov/advisory. To view current and forecasted air quality levels in the Mojave Desert, visit the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District website at mdaqmd.ca.gov. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.mdaqmd.ca.gov/advisories. To view current and forecasted air quality levels in Antelope Valley, visit the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District website at www.avaqmd.ca.gov. To view current and forecasted air quality levels in San Diego County, visit the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District website at www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/air-quality.html. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/air-quality/smoke-advisory.html To view current and forecast air quality within Imperial County visit the Imperial County Air Quality website at http://www.imperialvalleyair.org/ or follow ICAPCD on Twitter, facebook or Instagram (@county_air).
