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.

APCD urges San Joaquin Valley residents to NOT use Fireworks this July 4th

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which regulates air pollution throughout an eight county region and includes the cities of Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and more, has issued a request to all Valley residents to NOT use fireworks this July 4th weekend.

Photo Credit: SJVAPCD

The reason is that the use of such fireworks has been demonstrated to raise the amounts of small particulate matter (PM) to unhealthy levels that exceed health standards. These particles include soot, ash, and toxic metals. These substances can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, with the possibility of causing heart attacks and strokes.

Historical monitoring of Valley air quality during previous holidays has shown that PM levels may reach as much as 4 or 5 times higher than federal health standards, as the chart above shows.

This is of particular concern for those with existing health issues like asthma, heart disease, children, and the elderly. In addition, the use of such fireworks will exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic which is raging throughout the Valley.

“We ask that residents are considerate to the health and well-being of the Valley’s most vulnerable individuals, especially during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Samir Sheikh, the Valley Air District’s Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer. “Fireworks release large amounts of PM at ground-level, where individuals can breathe in the harmful pollutant,” he added.

Valley Air District to hold Public Workshop on Community Actions to reduce air pollution

Interested in becoming more involved in protecting your environment?

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District will be holding a public workshop, available in person or online, to explain just how you can do that.

Photo: California Air Resources Board AB 617 website

The District will be discussing the San Joaquin Valley Community Engagement and Protection Program and the implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 617 on March 6, 2018 at 5:30 pm.

AB 617 is the first-of-its-kind statewide effort to develop community-focused efforts to address air pollution. It will include community air monitoring,emission reduction programs, and much more.

For more information, please call (559) 230-6000, or check the following links:

AB 617

SJVAPCD Workshop Info

SJVAPCD Webcast Info