The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert in inland parts of the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley due to high levels of ozone (smog). The air quality alert is in effect 11 AM Wednesday through 7 PM Saturday. Elevated levels of ozone the predominant summertime pollutant are likely to result in poor air quality in the afternoon and early- evening hours. Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate heart and lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible. Air quality can change depending on time of day and weather conditions. Increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather can cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution. To help minimize ozone air pollution levels: * Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours * Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature * Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening To help keep indoor air clean during periods of poor air quality, close all windows and doors 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. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment. Check air quality levels and take appropriate action as needed. When air quality index (AQI) levels are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange), people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, children, and older adults should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. When air quality reaches Unhealthy (red) AQI levels, everyone may experience adverse health effects and sensitive groups should avoid prolonged time outdoors. At Very Unhealthy (purple) AQI levels, sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity and everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. In the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley, to view current and forecasted air quality levels, 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. In the Mojave Desert, to view current and forecasted air quality levels, 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. In Antelope Valley, to view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the antelope Valley Air Quality Management District website at
www.avaqmd.ca.gov. in San Diego County, to view current and forecasted air quality levels, 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 For the latest air quality forecasts and information, visit the website at aqmd.gov.
Continue reading...
