October 11, 2017 – The Nevada County Public Health Department and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District are issuing a joint air quality health advisory to notify the public of potentially poor air quality conditions through October 13 resulting from numerous fires in California. Smoke may settle in lower areas at night and drift across Nevada County during the day, depending on wind direction and other factors.
Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.
If you smell or see smoke around you, the following actions are recommended:
- Minimize outdoor activities even if you are healthy;
- Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible; run the air conditioner on the “recirculate” setting if that is an option;
- People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan;
- People with heart disease, respiratory or chronic health issues should stay indoors;
- Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe fatigue.
- Keep airways moist and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid breathing additional smoke, such as from cigarettes or barbecues.
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