By: Joe Fish, Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District
This Air Quality Advisory is valid for: Monday, July 7, 2008 through Friday, July 11, 2008
Smoke levels will continue to vary from moderate to very unhealthy levels over short to extended periods of time as varying wind patterns impact the smoke from numerous wildfires throughout Northern California. In addition to the smoke impacts, ozone levels will also vary from healthy to unhealthy for sensitive groups. The highest levels of ozone are more likely during the late afternoon and evening hours. Health risks from exposure to both smoke and ozone are high because ozone irritates the lungs and smoke compounds the problem. The Air District is issuing the following recommendation:
ALL INDIVIDUALS SHOULD CONTINUE TO AVOID OR LIMIT ALL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OUTDOORS.
The Air District is also recommending that the intensity level of all outdoor sporting activities be reduced considerably. We have all had a very prolonged exposure to some very high levels of smoke pollution, so there may be some residual respiratory effects that might surface as a result of high levels of exertion. As a general rule of thumb consider this: If you see smoke and smell smoke, you are most likely breathing unhealthly levels of particulates. The more smoke you see and smell, the higher the unhealthy levels of particulates.
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.
For current ozone and PM2.5 conditions or to learn more about air pollution go to http://www.sparetheair.com
(Please be aware that we have been unable to get the Grass Valley PM2.5 data onto any websites. It is a technical hurdle that we have yet to overcome. If you need to know the most current Grass Valley PM2.5 values, then you may call our Grass Valley office. Thank you for your patience.)
Recommendations for Minimizing Smoke Exposure:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air-conditioner on "re-circulate" setting. Do not run swamp coolers or whole house fans. It is recommended that heat sensitive individuals use fans for cooling or they may consider leaving the area;
- Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise, during smoky conditions;
- People in a "high risk" group or those who cannot find adequate shelter from the smoke outside may need to move to an emergency shelter; and,
- Disposable particulate respirators found at hardware stores can be effective at reducing exposure to smoke particles as long as they seal closely to the wearer's face. Look for respirators that have two straps and have the words "NIOSH" and either "P100" or "N95" printed on the filter material. Warning: particulate respirators will not provide complete protection in very smoky conditions. It should also be noted that there is some controversy surrounding the use of particulate respirators because of the many variables that may hinder their proper use.
Additionally, be aware that small pets in areas with unhealthy air should be brought indoors if possible.
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