| Oct. 25, 2007 In spite of
diminished winds and firefighters’ progress in battling Southern
California’s wildfires, air quality will remain unhealthful today in areas
directly impacted by smoke.
In other areas not directly impacted by smoke, air pollution officials
predict that air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive individuals. Air
quality is expected to improve on Friday except in areas near active fires.
Areas forecast to have unhealthful air quality today are the central San
Bernardino Mountains, including Lake Arrowhead; portions of the San
Bernardino Valley from Fontana to Yucaipa; the Saddleback Valley area in
Orange County and the Santa Clarita Valley.
In addition to areas forecast to have unhealthful air quality, the
current sea breeze condition as well as local wind conditions could create
unhealthful air quality conditions in localized areas again today.
In areas where unhealthful air quality is forecast, as well as anywhere
that smoke is seen or smelled or ash is falling:
- everyone should avoid all vigorous exertion, indoors or out;
- residents with heart disease, respiratory diseases including asthma,
as well as the elderly and children should remain indoors;
- keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot inside. In
these cases, seek alternate shelter; and
- turn on an air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake
closed and the filter clean to minimize outdoor smoke entering the house.
Air quality officials especially urge schools, day care centers and
sports coaches to not allow children to exercise – whether outdoors or
inside – during unhealthful air quality conditions.
All other areas of the Los Angeles Basin are forecast to have air quality
that is unhealthy for sensitive groups. At such levels, sensitive or
susceptible individuals, such as those with heart or lung disease, should
minimize outdoor activity.
Wildfire smoke contains numerous pollutants including microscopic
particles known as PM10 and PM2.5. For a printable fact sheet containing
tips to avoid 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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