Air Quality Alert Message

Full Alert Message

Air Quality Alert Message Relayed by National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA 445 PM PDT Sat Sep 7 2024 ...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT MONDAY... The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an Air Quality Alert due to elevated fine particulate matter levels due to wildfire smoke and high ozone levels. This Air Quality Alert is IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT MONDAY The South Coast AQMD has extended an air quality alert in the South Coast Air Basin due to high levels of ozone (smog) due to the ongoing heat wave and updated an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke in the region. The air quality alert is in effect until Monday evening for smog and Sunday evening for wildfire smoke. Elevated levels of ozone – the predominant summertime pollutant – are likely to result in poor air quality in the afternoon and early- evening hours. Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Air quality can change depending on time of day and weather conditions. Increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather can cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution. To help minimize ozone air pollution levels: • Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours • Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature • Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible. Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling. If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a tightly-fitted N-95 or P- 100 respirator to help reduce exposure. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment. Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate. Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on fire behavior and local weather conditions. Check air quality levels and take appropriate action as needed. When air quality index (AQI) levels are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange), people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, children, and older adults should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. When air quality reaches Unhealthy (red) AQI levels, everyone may experience adverse health effects and sensitive groups should avoid prolonged time outdoors. At Very Unhealthy (purple) AQI levels, sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity and everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District website at aqmd.gov or download the mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.aqmd.gov/advisory.