State warns of unhealthy, hazardous air quality in Carson City, Douglas and surrounding areas
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 08/06/2018 - 4:50pm
UPDATE 10:47AM TUESDAY: Air quality readings in Carson City and Douglas County were in the "unhealthy" range, according to AirNow.gov. The National Weather Service advises periods of degraded air quality will continue. However, many areas could see thinning smoke for at least the next couple days as winds shift to more east to southeast direction. This would carry the bulk of any new smoke away from the area, forecasters say. This may be a short-lived break as westerly flow looks like it will return late in the week and for the weekend.
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Air quality monitors in Carson City and Gardnerville are reporting levels of particulate matter in the unhealthy to hazardous range due to smoke from the wildfires in California, according to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should move activities indoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, according to According to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
On Monday, air quality in the Carson Valley reached hazardous levels, while air in Carson City reached "very unhealthy" levels. As of late Monday afternoon, the sun was able to peek out some and the levels for both areas were in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category, according to AirNow.gov.
"Particulate matter from massive fires continue to pollute our air and can irritate eyes, skin, throat and lungs, causing chest tightening and pain, stinging eyes, headaches and sore throats, and can worsen sinus and ear infections," said Chief Medical Officer for Nevada Dr. Ihsan Azzam. "The very young and very old, pregnant women, and those with heart and lung conditions, especially asthma and COPD patients, are most susceptible to side effects from wildfire smoke."
Dr. Azzam strongly recommends residents to avoid heavy activity and monitor the air quality index before spending extended periods outdoors. Please stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to limit your home's exposure to smoke. Additionally, please avoid heat exposure and consume adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration.
“We monitor air quality conditions on an hourly basis in Carson City and Gardnerville, and will continue to report that information for the public to view at AirNow.gov. It is important for the public to be informed and take recommended steps to protect their health,” said Jeffrey Kinder, Deputy Administrator for the Air Programs at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
Please note that changes in air quality from wildfire smoke can occur rapidly. Local air quality conditions can be accessed at AirNow.gov.
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