The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is asking people to pay attention to local air quality as smoke from dozens of fires burning throughout Northern California could drift our way.
“If it looks smoky outside, it's not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run or have children play outdoors,” said APCD Director Bob Kard.
Air quality levels throughout the region are at good to moderate levels for fine particulates, which are microscopic particles in the air that can be unhealthy to breathe. Particulates from smoke can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and bronchitis.
Short-term exposure to low concentrations of smoke isn’t usually a major risk factor for healthy adults, but it can cause problems for people with congestive heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma. Children and the elderly are also more at risk.
APCD will continue to monitor the situation and will update residents if the smoke blows into San Diego County and affects our air quality.
The public can also get daily air quality forecasts and learn more about wildfire smoke and its health effects at the County’s Air Pollution Control District Web site at www.sdapcd.org or by calling (858) 586-2800.
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