Air Quality Advisory for 10/9 and 10/10 2017

The Feather River Air Quality Management District Air Pollution Control Officer is issuing this Air Quality Advisory to notify the public of poor air quality conditions in the Yuba County foothills and downwind of fire locations.

Air quality is forecast to be moderate or better in areas without smoke impacts, however local conditions may rapidly deteriorate and residents are advised to take precautions if they see or smell smoke.  Forecasts are predicting Northwest Winds upto 20 MPH today, shifting to the east this evening. Winds should be much calmer on Tuesday, which may cause more smoke impacts near the fires.  Areas may be intermittently impacted as the winds shift and temperatures change.

The major air pollutant of concern is PM2.5 however ozone may also be present. While all persons may experience varying degrees of symptoms, the more sensitive individuals, such as the young, aged and those with respiratory conditions are of greatest risk at experiencing more aggravated symptoms.  At the unhealthy level everyone may begin to experience adverse health effects, which may include, but are not limited to coughing, watery and itchy eyes, and difficulty in breathing.

Particulate and ozone concentrations from the monitor in Yuba City can be viewed online at: www.fraqmd.org.  Current air quality across California can be viewed at www.airnow.gov.

Individuals who see or smell smoke should take the following actions to protect their health:

• Avoid voluntary outdoor activities if you can see or smell smoke, even if you’re healthy
• Children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions should be particularly careful to avoid exposure
• Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible
• Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan
• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms you believe to be caused by smoke
• Those with heart disease should especially limit their smoke exposure since PM can cause heart attacks

The very small particles in smoke can irritate the lungs of even healthy people, but are especially dangerous for seniors, children and those with lung and heart disease.  For more information on health effects of smoke please visit: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index

Disposable particulate respirators found at hardware stores can be effective at reducing exposure to smoke particles as long as they seal closely to the wearer's face and covers both the nose and mouth. Look for respirators that have two straps and have the words "NIOSH" and either "P100" or "N95" printed on the filter material.

For additional information please visit www.fraqmd.org or call the District office at (530) 634-7659.