October 26, 2011 

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY - SMOKE

Eastern Nevada County The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District, with data from its Particulate Sampler located in Truckee, has determined that air quality in the Truckee area is currently in the Unhealthy Range. This advisory is just for today, October 26, 2011. The Air District anticipates that most of the smoke should clear out be mid-day. The current high concentration of smoke was caused by poor dispersion characteristics in the atmosphere coupled with a U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Fire in Placer County, in the Sawtooth area. Due to high smoke concentrations, the U.S. Forest Service is working to alleviate smoke impacts on the citizens of eastern Nevada County and surrounding areas. 

During periods when the smoke is especially dense, air quality may be in the “Unhealthy” range, and possibly even in the “Very Unhealthy” range.  If you smell smoke, or see smoke around you, consider restricting your outside activities. 

Until the present conditions improve, individuals should consider taking the following actions: 

Healthy people should delay strenuous exercise, particularly when they can smell smoke. 

Children and elderly people should consider avoiding outdoor activities, particularly prolonged outdoor exertion. People with health-related illnesses, particularly asthma and respiratory problems, should remain indoors.

Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan. 

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.  This is important for not only people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptom of such diseases. Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness. Studies have linked fine particulate matter (smoke) with significant health problems, including work and school absences, respiratory related hospital admissions, aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms (including severe chest pain, gasping, and aggravated coughing), chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death.    

This Advisory is for Wednesday, October 26, 2011.