Smoke Advisory Issued for Orange County

10/27/2006

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued a smoke advisory that includes Orange County due to smoke drifting from current wildfires.

The AQMD advisory states that localized concentrations of fine particulates may reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level or higher in areas directly impacted by drifting smoke, including parts of Orange County.

All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity in the smoke impacted areas.  “Among those who can be most directly affected by smoke exposure are individuals with heart and respiratory diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women,” said County Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so we especially recommend that individuals in these higher-risk groups limit outdoor activity and physical exertion until the situation is over.”

Other recommendations include:

• Keeping the windows and doors in your home closed, and using your air conditioner on the re-circulate mode, if available. This will limit the intake of outdoor air and keep your home comfortable.
• Keeping your mouth and nasal passageways moist by drinking lots of water. This helps your body filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.
• Contacting your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. People who have not been previously diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions.  
• Those with asthma should follow an asthma management plan, making sure to have at least a five-day supply of asthma medication on hand.