| Oct. 29, 2007 Air quality
is forecast to be in the moderate range in most areas of the Southland today
as a result of increasing control of remaining wildfires and improved
atmospheric dispersion of smoke.
However, areas directly impacted by smoke from active fires, including
the Saddleback Valley in Orange County and the central San Bernardino
Mountains are forecast to have unhealthy air quality. Areas downwind of
these fires in Orange and San Bernardino counties may have air quality that
is unhealthy for sensitive individuals.
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.
When air quality is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups,
sensitive or susceptible individuals, such as those with heart or lung
disease, should minimize outdoor activity. When air quality is in the
moderate range, unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing
vigorous 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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