Thursday, June 30, 2016 - Air Quality Advisory - Placer County APCD

For immediate release

June 30, 2016

Contact: Placer County Air Pollution Control District – 530-745-2330

A Joint Air Quality Advisory issued by the Placer County Department of Public Health and the Placer County Air Pollution Control District - Advisory for June 30, 2016 through July 4, 2016

AUBURN, Calif (June 30, 2016) -- The Placer County Public Health Officer and Placer County Air Pollution Control District are issuing a joint air quality advisory to notify the public of poor air quality conditions primarily due to smoke from the Trailhead Fire in Placer and El Dorado Counties.

Areas of smoke may affect Placer County from the valley to the Lake Tahoe area, dependent upon wind direction, until the fire is extinguished. In the evenings, smoke tends to move downhill becoming more concentrated in lower elevation areas including the foothills and the Lake Tahoe region. In the afternoon and early evening hours, conditions may improve as smoke rises.

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 of greatest risk of experiencing more aggravated symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to coughing, watery and itchy eyes, scratchy throat and difficulty in breathing.

Intermittent smoke is likely to affect different parts of the county at different times of the day until the fire is extinguished.  Because of this, individuals should be aware that it is possible for smoke to affect both indoor and outdoor activities.  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:

•         Stay indoors with the windows and doors closed; if possible run the air conditioner on the  “recirculation” setting
•         Limit outdoor exertion and physical activity
•         Leave the smoke-impacted areas until conditions improve, if possible
•         Reduce unnecessary driving. If traveling through smoke-impacted areas, be sure that your vehicle’s  ventilation system is on recirculate
•         Avoid the use of non‐HEPA paper face mask filters, which are not capable of filtering out extra fine  particulates

Anyone experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should contact their doctor if they have any questions.

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 at www.placer.ca.gov/apcd.