Fire near Yosemite causes unhealthy air status in Carson Valley; heat advisory in place for region
UPDATE 2:58PM: Carson City's air quality worsened Wednesday afternoon to "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" with an Air Quality Index measure now at 115.
Sensitive groups include people with lung disease such as asthma, older adults, children and teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People who fall in this group should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Take more breaks, do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Schedule outdoor activities in the morning when ozone is lower.
People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy.
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The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection air quality monitors in Carson City and Gardnerville on Wednesday show elevated amounts of particulate matter in the air, placing Douglas County in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" air quality category.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and Douglas County health officials are continuing to monitor air quality concerns from smoke conditions drifting into the valley from the Ferguson Fire west of Yosemite National Park.
Based on National Weather Service forecasts, NDEP expects unhealthy air quality conditions to remain in Carson Douglas County through this evening and air conditions could deteriorate.
As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday air quality in Douglas County was placed in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category with a 106 Air Quality Index. Carson City was in the "moderate" category, with an Air Quality Index of 81, which means air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
The Air Quality Index is an index for reporting daily air quality and what associated health effects might be an issue. In conditions that lead to an “Unhealthy” designation people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
As conditions change or deteriorate, it is recommended that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma and/or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting with their personal physician.
For the most current air quality conditions check:
https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=822
Meanwhile, a Heat Advisory remains in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday, with daytime high temperatures from 100 to 106 degrees today and Thursday throughout western Nevada including Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Washoe County areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Hot temperatures and limited relief overnight will increase chances for heat related illness, especially for sensitive groups and people without access to air conditioning. Heat stress is also possible for livestock and outdoor pets.
The weather service advises people to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
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