By: Joe Fish, Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District
The advisory yesterday was geared toward sensitive individuals. Conditions have worsened considerably and are as bad as they have ever been in the last 15 years. The PM2.5 levels (respirable particles less than 2.5 microns in size) are currently in the HAZARDOUS range on the Air Quality Index chart (that is as high as it goes). Ozone levels appear to be in the moderate range during the day, but expand into the unhealthy for sensitive individuals range in the evening hours. The combination of elevated ozone levels *and* hazardous PM2.5 levels may exacerbate health symptons. Here is the EPA language for Hazardous levels of air pollution:
*EVERYONE SHOULD AVOID ALL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OUTDOORS.*
The Air District is recommending that all outdoor sporting activities be canceled immediately until conditions improve considerably. As a general rule of thumb consider this: If you see smoke and smell smoke, you are most likely breathing unhealthy levels of particulates. The more smoke you see and smell, the higher the unhealthy levels of particulates.
Until the present conditions improve, individuals should consider taking the following actions:
*AVOID ALL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OUTDOORS.*
Scientific studies have linked fine particulate matter (smoke) with significant health problems, including premature death, respiratory related hospital admissions, aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms (including severe chest pain, gasping, and aggravated coughing), chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and work and school absences. Exposure to unhealthful ozone levels can result in chest pain, coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, throat irritation, headaches, congestion and chest discomfort. It may also worsen bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma.
Sensitive groups and individuals (those most at risk from exposure to ground level ozone) are the elderly, children, asthmatics, and adults with pre-existing heart and lung disease, pregnant women, and athletes. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District advises that all people avoid outdoor exertion during these Hazardous conditions.
This Air Quality Alert is valid for: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
For current ozone and PM2.5 conditions or to learn more about air pollution, go to www.sparetheair.com
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