AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District Says People Should Restrict Outdoor Activity When Possible

This is a press release from North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) and partners:

Air Quality Advisory

Unhealthy Conditions for the following areas:

HUMBOLDT COUNTY: Communities  in  the  Klamath  River  Drainage — Orleans, Weitchpec, Hoopa and Willow Creek.

Smoke levels in these areas are forecast to be in the unhealthy range with improvement in late afternoon.  These conditions could be problematic for those with health conditions.

Unhealthy levels are forecast for today with improvement possibly in late afternoon. The forecast for Thursday is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality is forecast to diminish as offshore winds develop for the weekend. Updates will be provided as conditions change.

People are recommended to restrict outdoor activities when possible.

Symptoms that may be related to excess smoke exposure include:

  • Repeated coughing
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Palpitations
  • Nausea or unusual fatigue
  • Lightheadedness

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider. Please see the NCUAQMD’s General Public Service Announcement for recommendations on limiting smoke exposure.

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call the NCUAQMD’s hotline toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329), or visit the website at www.ncuaqmd.org.

Health Information for Smoke Impacts

Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation,    coughing, and difficulty breathing.

People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.

These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.

If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, contact your local health department and/or primary healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly, are pregnant, or have a child in your care.

Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:

  • Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise
  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible
  • Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples  include  swamp  coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems
  • Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change  the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit
  • Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution

If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.

Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.

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Diesel dually
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Diesel dually
6 years ago

August, hack hack, then winter. Welcome to Humboldt!

Dan Fuller
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Dan Fuller
6 years ago

Even out here in Bridgeville, the smoke is thicker than other days, today!!!

judi
Guest
6 years ago

today is better, but yesterday we had lots o ash falling in lovely loleta by the sea.

shak
Guest
shak
6 years ago

Why aren’t you spending our tax dollars on things like inhalers and passing them out? HELPING the people instead of crucifying them is why you were even allowed to be conceived.

steve
Guest
steve
6 years ago

hey, stop breathing my share of the air !