Unhealthy Smoke Levels in Northeast Humboldt Today

 

Press release from the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD):

Humboldt County: Unhealthy with periods of Hazardous smoke levels for communities in the Klamath River Drainage (Orleans, Weitchpec) Hoopa can expect Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups through today.

Smoke levels in these areas are forecast to be Unhealthy throughout the day and evening, and are creating a health hazard. These conditions could be problematic for those with health conditions.

Inland air quality continues to experience light offshore winds that continue to push smoke from the wildfires into the river drainages. Improved drainage winds are expected to begin aiding dispersion of smoke in the Klamath and Trinity River valleys. These conditions are forecast to remain in place through today. Updates will be provided should 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.

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).

For further information, visit the District’s website at www.ncuaqmd.org

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Mark Dondero
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Mark Dondero
6 years ago

Unhealthy? Really, does this look unhealthy to you? Taken at 12:25 from my place in Orleans.

G-MAS
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G-MAS
6 years ago

Please take a moment today to say a prayer for the PEOPLE of TEXAS they are going to need all we can give.🙏

Buzzards nest
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Buzzards nest
6 years ago
Reply to  G-MAS

Paslm 69. Praise Jesus

R-DOG
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R-DOG
6 years ago

About time that stupid smoke blows the other way

Mariahgirl
Guest
6 years ago

It is over 100 here and they talk about not running house fans and keeping doors and windows closed and only run certain types of air conditioning, good luck on all of that. Just put out the fires and quit just managing them.