Wednesday, June 25, 2008

California Wild Fires

The Washoe County District Health Department (WCDHD) has issued a stage 2 air quality alert which means the air is very unhealthful.

It is now recommended that all individuals stay inside with windows closed. Do not participate in exercise outside.

The smoke and haze causing the air pollution has blown in from hundreds of wild fires burning in Northern California.

For additional information on current conditions, call the Air Quality Index Hotline at 775.785.4110 or click here.

The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District and Public Health Department has issued a health advisory for residents because of wildfire smoke brought into the Lake Tahoe Basin by scores of Northern California fires.

The fires started over the weekend, and smoky conditions are expected to last another day in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley.

Smoke contains fine particles that are linked to many health problems. Residents who smell or see smoke should take precautionary measures, such as keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible, keeping airways moist by drinking lots of water, staying indoors if they have respiratory problems and delaying strenuous exercise activity.

People with respiratory conditions are at the greatest risk of experiencing smoke-related symptoms, such as coughing, itchy and watery eyes and difficulty breathing.

Those experiencing severe or questionable symptoms should seek professional medical help.

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