Friday, September 23, 2016

Friday, September 23, 2016 - Santa Barbara County APCD Air Quality Warning

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Today, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District announced the Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara County will remain in effect through the weekend. Residents are urged to use extra caution to protect their health.   

Many areas of the county have experienced elevated particle levels due to high winds, and smoke and ash from wildfires. On Thursday, September 22, every District monitoring station recorded levels of coarse particles (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter, or PM10) over the state standard, and short-term levels of fine particles (PM2.5) considered “unhealthy” were recorded at the Lompoc monitoring station.

Depending on winds and weather conditions, the next few days could see continuing elevated particle levels, and forecasted high temperatures could result in elevated levels of ozone. Use common sense to protect your health and your family’s health by limiting time spent outdoors and avoiding outdoor exercise. If you see falling ash, avoid activities, such as using leaf blowers, that will stir particles into the air.

If you have symptoms that may be related to exposure to poor air quality, contact your health care provider. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, and nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.

See www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality/ to check air quality in your area, and see

www.twitter.com/OurAirAdvisory for updates. For recorded advisory updates, call (805) 961-8802. 

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