| Oct. 23, 2007
Schools Urged to Curtail Outdoor Activities in Areas Affected by Smoke
Smoke and ash from numerous wildfires along with dust raised by strong
winds continue to create unhealthful air quality throughout much of the
Southland again today.
Air quality officials are advising all residents, and particularly school
officials, to curtail outdoor activities if they can see or smell smoke or
see falling ash.
Concentrations of fine particulate matter known as PM10 are at unhealthy
levels in numerous areas directly impacted by smoke as well as high-wind
areas in San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.
In areas with unhealthy air quality, everyone should discontinue
prolonged, vigorous outdoor exercise lasting longer than one hour. Examples
of the kinds of outdoor activities that should be avoided are calisthenics,
basketball, running, soccer, football, tennis, swimming laps, and water
polo. Susceptible persons, such as those with heart or lung disease, should
avoid outdoor activity entirely.
The strong Santa Ana condition that is bringing gusty winds from the
northeast through and below the Southland’s passes and canyons is expected
to continue through today, decreasing on Wednesday.
For more tips on avoiding health impacts from the smoke, see
http://www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/factsheets.htm on AQMD’s website.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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