...AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR HARMFUL FINE PARTICLE POLLUTION LEVELS DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE... * WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke. * WHERE...The Banning Pass, San Jacinto Mountains, Lake Riverside area, Cahuilla Reservation, and Anza area. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on fire activity and local weather conditions. * WHEN...Through 6 PM Monday. * IMPACTS...Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... To protect your health, if you smell or see smoke: * Remain indoors with windows and doors closed * Avoid intense outdoor physical activity * Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier * If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a well- fitting N-95 mask * Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool * Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... 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.
