AIR QUALITY ADVISORY –  SMOKE
EASTERN NEVADA COUNTY

Smoke, mainly from the fires in north western California, is moving into eastern Nevada County. The smoke may stick around for a few days. Smoke levels most likely will vary from MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS over short to extended periods of time. This all depends on the wind patterns. The Air District is issuing the following recommendation:

Sensitive groups and individuals are the elderly, children, asthmatics, and adults with pre-existing heart and lung disease, pregnant women, and athletes.

Additionally, the Air District recommends 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: 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. 

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.  

Please sign up for one or more of our lists to help us keep you informed as to the conditions around you! Go to www.myairdistrict.com and sign up today!

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.