× Air Quality Alert
Until 2024-09-12T08:00:00-07:00 • National Weather Service
The South Coast AQMD has extended an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke in the region. The air quality alert for wildfire smoke is in effect Tuesday and Wednesday. The South Coast AQMD has also issued an air quality alert due to increased particle pollution from blowing dust in Banning Pass and Coachella Valley. The air quality alert for dust is in effect until 8 AM Thursday. If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible. Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling. If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a tightly-fitted N-95 or P- 100 respirator to help reduce exposure. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment. Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate. Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on fire behavior and local weather conditions. In areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity. Run your air conditioner or an air purifier. If temperatures allow, avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Exposure to high particle pollution levels can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart disease should avoid prolonged exposure and strenuous activities when particle pollution levels are high. To help minimize outdoor particle pollution levels: * Carpool, telecommute, reduce trips, or take public transportation * Slow down if driving on dirt roads * Stabilize loose soils Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on wind conditions. 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. To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District website at mdaqmd.ca.gov. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.mdaqmd.ca.gov/advisories. To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the antelope Valley Air Quality Management District website at www.avaqmd.ca.gov. To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District website at www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/air-quality.html. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/air-quality/smoke-advisory.html. 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).