...AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR HARMFUL FINE PARTICLE POLLUTION LEVELS DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE... * WHAT...The Imperial County APCD has issued an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke. * WHERE...Western portion of Imperial County including the Imperial Valley. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on fire activity and local weather conditions. * WHEN...The impact of international transport smoke is expected through the weekend. * 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 forecast air quality within Imperial County visit the Imperial County Air Quality website at http://www.imperialvalleyair.org/ or follow ICAPCD on Twitter, facebook or Instagram (@county_air).
