Wawona Smoke Concentrations - 24-hr Rolling average PM2.5

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 - Indian Fire Smoke/AQ Outlook

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017: The public can tell EPA researchers how smoke changes their day

Smoke Sense App Now Available

EPA researchers recently announced a citizen science study called Smoke Sense (#SmokeSense) that will help determine the extent to which exposure to wildland fire smoke affects health and productivity, and develop health risk communication strategies that protect public health during smoke days. Individuals who want to contribute to science can participate in the study by using the Smoke Sense app, a publicly available mobile application on Google Play Store. 

The study, being conducted during the 2017 fire season, will be the first of its kind known to use a mobile application to evaluate health effects from wildland fires experienced by those who participate, and to test whether such an app communicates health risks effectively. Data gathered through Smoke Sense is anticipated to help EPA researchers and communities determine how smoke from fires impacts our health and productivity and gain important insights needed to develop health risk communication methods during smoky days. The Smoke Sense app can be used on Android phones and will be available for use on Apple devices in the future. Smoke Sense app user identities will be anonymous and non-identifiable. More information available at: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-sense-study-citizen-science-project-using-mobile-app

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017 NW Cal Fires Smoke Forecast

Monday, August 21, 2017 - North Coast Unified AQMD Smoke Unhealthy Advisory

            Unhealthy Advisory for areas in Humboldt County regarding smoke from current                                              wildfires. See the district's website for additional information.

Air Quality Advisory

Unhealthy Conditions

For the following areas:

HUMBOLDT COUNTY:

Very Unhealthy conditions for communities in the Klamath River Drainage - Orleans, Sawyers Bar, Weitchpec, Hoopa and Willow Creek. Unhealthy conditions are forecast for Weaverville and surround areas. Smoke levels in these areas are forecast to be in the Very Unhealthy range to Unhealthy throughout the day and evening, and are creating a health hazard. These conditions could be problematic for those with health conditions. Air quality will be diminished as offshore winds remain light and continue to push smoke from the wildfires into the Klamath River drainage. A change to a South West wind direction is forecast to begin on Tuesday, and conditions should improve for areas south of the fires and along the coast. Updates will be provided as conditions change.

People are recommended to restrict outdoor activities when possible.

Symptoms that may be related to excess smoke exposure include:

·         Repeated coughing                                   

·         Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·         Wheezing                                         

·         Chest tightness or pain

·         Palpitations                                        

·         Nausea or unusual fatigue

·         Lightheadedness

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider.  Please see the NCUAQMD’s General Public Service Announcement for recommendations on limiting smoke exposure.

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call the NCUAQMD’s hotline toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329), or visit the website at www.ncuaqmd.org.

Health Information for Smoke Impacts

Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.  People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.

These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.

If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, contact your local health department and/or primary healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly, are pregnant, or have a child in your care.

Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:

·   Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise

·  Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible

·  Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp           coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems

·   Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use       the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit

·    Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution

If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.

Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at

1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).

For further information, visit the District’s website at

www.ncuaqmd.org

NORTH COAST UNIFIED

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

707 L Street, Eureka, CA 95501

Telephone (707) 443-3093  Fax (707) 443-3099