So be careful. Don't assume, even if you think you're very healthy and hearty, that you can deal with this soot. A friend just emailed that a hearty friend of his in Manhattan Beach decided to go surfing. He came back feeling sick from the poor air quality. I still don't feel hot but don't want to complain, for what's the use. I'm staying indoors with air purifiers. Here's an advisory from the SCAQMD: An afternoon sea breeze today could spread wildfire smoke across wide areas of the Southland including portions of the Inland Empire, causing air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range or higher. (that's a poorly structured sentence, I assume they mean "causing problems in sensitive individuals) The news of unhealthy air is streaming in like breezes carrying fine particulate matter throughout Southern California air basins, including beaches.
In addition, areas directly impacted by smoke from the ongoing Sayre and Freeeway/Triangle Complex fires will experience Unhealthy air quality.
All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke. This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke.
A weakening offshore breeze and the return of an afternoon sea breeze are forecast for today. The sea breeze may transport smoke from the coastal area as far as the Inland Empire.
Depending on the continuing fire situation, areas of direct smoke impacts and Unhealthy air quality will likely include:
- the Corona/Norco Area;
- the Chino Hills area;
- the Pomona/Walnut Valley;
- Orange County;
- the San Fernando Valley;
- portions of the San Gabriel Mountains near the Sayre Fire;
- portions of the Santa Clarita Valley; and
- portions of Los Angeles County, including downtown, coastal areas, the Long Beach area and the west and south San Gabriel Valley.
In areas with Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality, sensitive or susceptible persons, such as those with heart or lung disease, should minimize outdoor activity.
In areas with Unhealthy air quality and those directly impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
For live air quality information, see the air quality map at www.aqmd.gov. For more tips on avoiding health impacts from the smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/factsheets.htm.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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