December 8, 2017
Contact:
Susan Klein-Rothschild, Santa Barbara County Public Health Deputy
Director, (805) 896-1057
Lyz Hoffman, Air Pollution Control District Public Information Officer,
(805) 364-2247
Air Quality Warning
Remains in Effect Through Weekend
Continued Smoke
Impacts for Santa Barbara County
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The air quality
index continues to show unhealthy air quality in Santa Barbara County. Smoke
and ash from the Thomas Fire may continue to affect local air quality for days.
Levels of smoke and particles, and areas of the county affected, will vary and
conditions could change quickly. Smoke
plumes may be visible and may or may not have an additional effect on
ground-level air quality. The Air Quality Warning will remain in effect until
conditions improve.
·
Check
www.OurAir.org/todays-air-quality/ for current conditions.
The chart will indicate when air quality is good, moderate, unhealthy for
sensitive groups, unhealthy for all, very unhealthy, or hazardous.
We recommend that everyone:
· Stay indoors, with windows closed and indoor circulation
only. Air conditioning is also an option
if the outside intake is closed. Particles
can build up indoors, so if you are feeling symptoms where you are, be prepared
to relocate to an indoor location with better ventilation, or to leave the
area.
· Avoid driving when possible and use “recycle” or re-circulate
mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the car.
· Drink plenty of fluids to keep respiratory membranes moist.
· Avoid doing anything to stir up ash.
If you have symptoms that may be
related to exposure to smoke and soot, contact your doctor. Symptoms include
repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest
tightness or pain, palpitations, and nausea or unusual fatigue or
lightheadedness.
N95 masks, when fitted properly, offer some limited
protection from fine particles in smoke; they do not filter out all of the
harmful gases. N95 masks do not come in sizes suitable for small children. Dust
masks and surgical masks are not effective.
See https://www.ourair.org/smoke-health/
for more information on how to protect your health.
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