Air quality levels are currently in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range due to wildfire smoke from the south moving into the area. Elevated air quality levels are expected to fluctuate throughout the day. Officials expect levels to stay elevated until rain moves in or wind patterns change, possibly around 8 p.m.
Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Fine Particles
Thursday, Feb. 22
POLLUTANT: Fine Particles
FORECAST CONDITIONS:
Air quality is forecast to fluctuate between 101 and 150 today for fine particulate, which is in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on the Air Quality Index.
SENSITIVE GROUPS:
- People with heart or lung disease, children and teens, and older adults should take any of these steps
- reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
- children
- teenagers
- the elderly
- people with heart or lung disease
HEALTH EFFECTS?
- aggravated asthma
- decreased lung function
- increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing
- premature death in people with heart or lung disease
- nonfatal heart attacks
- irregular heartbeat
REDUCE EXPOSURE:
- Minimize or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities
- Choose less strenuous outdoor activities
- Schedule outdoor activities for another day
- Monitor air quality conditions at apcb.org or airnow.gov
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- NO BURNING.
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
HELPFUL TOOLS
- Sign up for Air Quality Alert texts by sending "AIR" to 423-643-5971.
- Visit airnow.gov for up-to-the-minute information.