SJVAPCD warns Valley residents of increasing health impacts from poor air quality this weekend

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District warned residents of the Valley to stay indoors this weekend, if possible, due to increased particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions throughout the area.

Much of the problem is due to continuing smoke from fires to the north and the SQF Fire Complex in eastern Tulare County.

Photo credit: SJVAPCD website

However,  meteorological conditions are complicating everything due to winds from the northwest and a high pressure system developing over the area that reduces smoke dispersion. The high pressure acts as a "lid" over the Valley, which is shaped somewhat like a "bowl" with mountains on 3 sides. The winds transport smoke from the northern fires into the bowl, and the central and southern portions of the Valley are further impacted by the Tulare fire smoke.

The District cautions that the smoke impacts may be more noticeable during the night and early morning.

PM pollution can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. This can be especially problematic for the elderly and young children, as well as those with heart or lung disease. Furthermore, the cloth and paper face masks currently being used to reduce transmission of the COVID19 virus may be of little use to prevent the inhalation of wildfire smoke due to the less than 2.5 micron size of the smoke particles.

SJVAPCD reissues health advisory due to smoke from wildfires

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District reissued a health advisory for Valley residents due to continuing smoke from California wildfires. The cautionary notice will remain in place until all of the fires are put out.

Photo Credit: NOAA (https://satellitemaps.nesdis.noaa.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4da21c3c398946f293e0436fb926702c)

The District said that smoke from the SQF Complex Fire in Tulare County was entering the Valley through the mountains of Tulare and Kern Counties and combining with smoke from other wildfires to impact San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties as well.

Particulate (PM) pollution from these wildfires can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Those experiencing poor air quality should stay indoors. The District has also advised that the the simple cloth and paper masks used to prevent the transmission of COVID19 virus particles by exhalation may not be sufficient to prevent the inhalation of PM particles.

Monterey Bay Air Resources District issues health advisory due to "hazardous" air quality

 As wildfires continue to rage throughout California, yet another air pollution control district has warned its residents to stay indoors and reduce activity levels.

Yesterday the Monterey Bay Air Resources District announced that its air monitoring devices at many locations in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties have reached hazardous levels. This poses a risk to everyone and especially to those with underlying conditions such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, the elderly, children, and others.

Photo Credit: Monterey Bay Air Resources District website

The District also warns that simple paper or dust masks,scarves, and bandanas will not provide protection against the very small particles known as PM2.5. N-95 or P-100 respirators may help, but, the best solution is to stay indoors if possible.

RAAN Air Quality update for Bakersfield area

Well, it looked like things were starting to get better, smoke-wise, for the Bakersfield area today. After a pre-dawn peak of 148 µg/m³, PM2.5 levels dropped nearly in half by 11:30 AM, only to reverse course and climb to 140 µg/m³ by 4 pm.

Photo Credit: SJVAPCD RAAN data, August 21, 2020

The concentration of PM2.5 particles exceeds the SJVAPCD's Level 5 limits. Ozone levels also have climbed drastically, reaching a peak of 105 ppb and exceeding Level 4 limits.

Stay inside if you can. Wear a good mask if you can't. Stay safe!

Smoke in the San Joaquin Valley still a problem

This will be just a short post. Here is a screenshot of RAAN data from the SJVAPCD for Bakersfield today.

Notice the more than tripling of PM2.5 data in the span of just a couple of hours around 11 AM to 1 PM today. It now exceeds Level 5.

Please stay inside if you can. Be sure to mask up if you are outside.

Gusty winds and wildfire smoke prompt health caution

When it's windy in the San Joaquin Valley, health concerns raise their ugly head.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind alert.

In addition, please read the following advisory from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District:

Gusty winds and wildfire smoke prompt health caution. Potential elevated PM10 and PM2.5 pose health concern