Friday, August 21, 2020
Friday, August 21, 2020 - AIR QUALITY ALERT – San Luis Obispo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2020
Contact: Meghan Field, 805-781-5912 - SLO County Air Pollution Control District
Dr. Penny Borenstein, 805-781-5500 - SLO County Public Health Department
AIR
QUALITY ALERT – DUE TO SMOKE APCD RECOMMENDS ALL NON-EMERGENCY OUTDOOR WORK IN
NORTH COUNTY BE POSTPONED UNTIL AIR QUALITY CONDITIONS IMPROVE
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, – As record-breaking levels of smoke continue to impact San Luis Obispo County, the San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Air Pollution Control District and Public Health Department are strongly recommending that all non-emergency outdoor work in the North County be postponed until air quality conditions improve.
Currently, the air quality in Paso Robles, Atascadero, and other North County locations is in the Hazardous range, and it is forecast to remain Hazardous today and to be Unhealthy tomorrow. The SLO County APCD does not have the authority to issue mandatory orders, but we strongly recommend that outdoor activities in these areas stop until air quality improves.
Outdoor work in any area where the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 150 should stop. People can check the AQI at the District's website, https://www.slocleanair.org, or on https://www.airnow.gov. On the map at AirNow.gov, areas with AQI above 150 will be colored red, purple, or brown. Currently, this includes all of North County. In these areas, we strongly recommend that restaurants close or switch to take-out only, and that outdoor agricultural and construction work stop. Outdoor recreation should also be postponed until conditions improve. Outdoor work should be postponed until the AQI is 150 or less, which corresponds to Good, Moderate, or Unhealthy for Sensitive Group (Green, Yellow, or Orange on the Airnow.gov map.)
CalOSHA regulation 5141.1 may apply to most workers exposed to wildfire smoke, including people working outdoors and those working indoors but with open doors, bays, or windows. Employers and employees are encouraged to check CalOSHA's website at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/wildfire/Worker-Protection-from-Wildfire-Smoke.html for details. Note that this is not an APCD regulation and we do not have authority to enforce it.
For updates:
SLO County APCD and County officials will continue to closely monitor smoke impacts and air quality in San Luis Obispo County. By following the Air Quality Index, the public can also monitor real-time air quality throughout SLO County. The AQI focuses on health effects individuals may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. The current and forecasted AQI is available via the APCD website: slocleanair.org and you can also follow the SLO County APCD and Public Health Department Twitter feeds for the latest updates (@slocleanair and @SLOPublicHealth). You can also sign up for AirAware alerts right on your phone by visiting our website at SLOCleanAir.org.
Friday, August 21, 2020 - Placer County Air Quality Advisory through Sunday Aug 23, 2020
|
Joint air quality advisory extended by Placer County Public Health and the Placer
County Air Pollution Control District |
|
Wildfire
smoke continues to affect large areas of Placer County with elevated levels
of particulate matter and ozone. Poor air quality has the potential to cause
negative health impacts, particularly for sensitive groups and when exposure
is prolonged. Smoke contains very tiny particles that can be inhaled deep
into the lungs. While all people may experience varying degrees of symptoms,
the more sensitive individuals - such as young, aged and those with
respiratory conditions - are at greatest risk of experiencing serious
symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, coughing, watery and
itchy eyes, headache, scratchy throat, and difficulty in breathing. If you can see or smell smoke,
avoid all unnecessary outdoor activities, especially if you are in an area
where visibility is greatly reduced. Here are recommended ways to
reduce your smoke exposure:
Anyone experiencing serious
symptoms due to smoke should contact a health professional. Persons who have
a respiratory-related illness may also wish to consult their health care
provider if they are experiencing smoke exposure. Keep in mind that air quality can
change rapidly at different times during the day due to wind shifts;
therefore, it is important to monitor the smoke throughout the day in your
area and make outdoor plans accordingly. Information on air quality and
smoke can be found AirNow’s updated Fire and Smoke webpage at https://fire.airnow.gov which shows particulate matter data from permanent and
temporary air monitors along with low-cost sensor data and also on www.sparetheair.com. Wildfire smoke information can
also be found on the District’s website at www.placerair.org. ### |
Friday, August 21, 2020 - Butte County Air Quality Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2020
JOINT AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE BUTTE COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT and BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
From: Stephen Ertle, Air Pollution Control Officer
Danette York, M.P.H., Public Health Director
The Butte County Air Quality Management District Air Pollution Control Officer and the Butte County Public Health Director are issuing this Joint Air Quality Advisory to notify the public about wildfire smoke impacts in Butte County due to several wildfires burning in Northern California. The smoke impacts to our area have continued and worsened due to widespread fire activity throughout Northern California, leading to conditions that are considered Unhealthy in Butte County. Smoke impacts will vary based on wind direction and fire intensity.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. The major air pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter also known as PM2.5. Exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, and irritated sinuses.
While all persons may experience varying degrees of symptoms, people at increased risk from smoke inhalation include:
• Young children
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic respiratory and heart conditions
• People who work outside
• People experiencing homelessness
Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and treatment.
People can reduce smoke inhalation by taking the following actions:
• Limit outdoor exertion, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions;
• If your child shows signs of compromised breathing or has respiratory conditions, follow your doctor’s directions regarding medicines and asthma management plans. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible in buildings and vehicles.
• When AQI levels reach Unhealthy levels (150 or higher), consider if the work needed to be completed outside is essential. Typically, N95 particulate masks can be worn during smoke-related events. However, these masks are in short supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember that a dust mask, cloth face covering, or medical mask will not filter out smoke! Staying indoors is the best option to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.
• Try to limit sources of air pollution in your home (smoking, use of incense or candles, and frying food are some examples of indoor air pollution sources).
• If you have air conditioning, make sure your setting is on “recirculate” both in your car and in your home to use inside air rather than drawing in air from the outside.
• Use high efficiency air filters (rated MERV-13 or higher) for your HVAC system if possible. Portable HEPA filters can also be used (avoid Ozone-producing air purifiers).
• Track air quality in your area through websites or mobile apps to plan your activity before heading out. The BCAQMD website (www.butteairquality.com) has daily air quality forecasts as well as links to real-time air quality data. Airnow.gov is the primary resource for air quality conditions throughout the nation. Other websites with information include:
This notification will remain in effect while fires affecting our region remain active. Outdoor residential burning is currently prohibited by CAL FIRE. More information including access to air quality data is available at www.bcaqmd.org or www.butteairquality.com. Questions may be directed to 530-332-9400 during regular business hours.
NEW UPDATED Air Quality Map with Air Monitoring and Air Sensor Info Now Available
August 2020
The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Forest Service have launched a pilot project to show data from low-cost sensors on the Fire and Smoke Map on the AirNow.gov website. The goal of the pilot is to provide people with additional information on air quality during wildfires, especially in areas where AirNow monitors or Forest Service temporary monitors may not exist.
Public use of low-cost sensors is increasing; however, data from these sensors is not comparable to the regulatory-grade monitors used on AirNow. The pilot project uses an EPA scientific equation to “correct” the sensor data, so users can compare sensor information and monitor information side by side. EPA and the Forest Service may update the map several times during the pilot, as the two agencies work to have an upgraded version available to the 2021 fire season.
Shasta County AQMD Air Quality Advisory
AIR QUALITY
ADVISORY UPDATE
August
21-23, 2020
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
August 21, 2020
Contact: Shasta
County Air Quality Management District, 530-225-5674
AIR QUALITY
OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE
SHASTA COUNTY – The Shasta
County Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is advising Shasta County
residents to remain aware of increased smoke impacts due to multiple wildfires
burning in the Northern California region. Wildfires burning in the region may transport
varying amounts of wildfire smoke into the populated areas of Shasta County.
Certain areas may experience higher concentrations of smoke based on proximity
to wildfires and current weather conditions. Some locations in Shasta County
are reaching Unhealthy levels of smoke. The public—especially those with
respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children—should
remain alert, and if necessary, reduce or avoid all outdoor exertion when
wildfire smoke is present. Everyone else should limit prolonged exertion in
areas of noticeable smoke accumulation. To minimize exposure to smoke:
• Limit exercise and outdoor
activities
• Remain indoors with the
windows and doors closed
• Turn on an air conditioner with a recirculation setting
(such as in a vehicle)
• Non‐HEPA paper face mask filters and bandana-type face coverings
may be helpful in reducing the spread of germs and viruses, but they are not
capable of filtering out extra fine particulates that are much smaller in size.
Therefore, non-HEPA masks will not be helpful in protecting individuals from
smoke-related impacts.
The Air Quality Management District operates two air quality monitors in Anderson and Redding that continuously monitor for fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). Some areas of Shasta County may experience higher concentrations of smoke than others depending on wind patterns and topography. All individuals are urged to use proper judgement when planning activities.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings from the fixed monitors are
updated hourly and are available at Shasta County AQMD’s Current
Air Quality Map
Additionally, AirNow—a
partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for
Disease Control, and tribal, state and local air quality agencies—has created a
sensor data pilot project designed to provide the public with additional
information on levels of particle pollution (PM2.5) in the air, particularly
during wildfires. The project adds data from low-cost sensors to the Fire and Smoke Map on the AirNow.gov
website.
For additional
information and updates, visit the Shasta
County Air Quality Management District Wildfire Smoke Webpage or call 530-225-5674.
Additional safety tips can be found at the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency’s protect yourself from wildfire smoke webpage.
For information on preparing and recovery from wildfire
visit: Wildfire
Recovery and Preparedness
Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management Division Air Alert
Washoe County Health District Issues Stage 1 Air Pollution Alert
Wildfire smoke creating poor air quality conditions
Media Release
For Immediate Release
www.washoecounty.us/health
Contact: Scott Oxarart
soxarart@washoecounty.us
775.328.2414 or 775.276.1021
Reno/Sparks, Nev. Aug. 20, 2020 – The Washoe County Health District – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued a Stage 1 Air Pollution Alert for Washoe County based on current air pollutions levels. This alert means that sensitive groups are susceptible to increased health risks and the alert is in effect until further notice.
Several wildfires in the Plumas and Mendocino National Forests, as well as the Loyalton Fire, are contributing to heavy smoke impacts in the Reno-Sparks area based on PM2.5 levels at the AQMD monitoring stations. Air quality in the Reno/ Sparks area is in the “Unhealthy” to “Very Unhealthy” ranges. Areas throughout Washoe County can expect similar smoke impacts and poor air quality conditions.
Periods of heavy smoke and clearing may rapidly fluctuate during the day depending on wind patterns.
“Smoke impacts can affect some people more than others,” said Kevin Dick, District Heath Officer for Washoe County. “Sensitive populations that are more susceptible to smoke impacts include children, the elderly, people with heart or lung problems, active adults and people with current respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. We encourage everyone to be smoke smart and stay informed of air quality in Washoe County.”
AQMD has issued these recommendations to reduce exposure to smoke:
- If you can see or smell smoke, avoid or reduce outdoor activities
- Leave the smoke-impacted area until conditions improve, if possible
- Stay indoors with the windows and doors closed; if possible, run the air conditioner on recirculation function
- Limit outdoor exertion and physical activity
- Avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside
- Face coverings that reduce the spread of COVID-19 do not protect you from wildfire smoke
- N95 respirators can provide some protection but should be reserved for frontline health and emergency personnel during the pandemic
AQMD can issue Stage 1 (Alert), Stage 2 (Warning) or Stage 3 (Emergency) notifications with the Stage 3 alert meaning the conditions are the most severe. More information on the stages can be found here.
For the current air quality levels and forecasts go to AirNow.gov or EnviroFlash.info where you can sign up for Air Quality alerts and forecasts. You can also follow AQMD on Twitter and Facebook and please use the hashtag #BeSmokeSmart.
Visit OurCleanAir.com for additional information on the Air Quality Management Division.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
https://www.washoecounty.us/outreach/2020/08/2020-08-20-health-air-quality-alert.php
Friday, August 21, 2020: Continued Poor Statewide Air Quality
Several large scale smoke plumes continue to create air quality impacts statewide, and this pattern is likely to thru the weekend. More moisture from the southwest will push into CA from south to north this weekend, bring potential for improved dispersion, but also potential for more lightning. Here is the latest National Weather Service (HRRR) smoke model projection that shows the potential impacts:
Northern California:
Southern California:
You can track current air quality on the Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov.
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