Smoke from regional wildfires eases some, then returns to 'unhealthy' air quality around Carson City
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 08/01/2018 - 8:24am
UPDATE 11:53AM: Carson City and Gardnerville was downgraded to the "unhealthy" category on the Air Quality Index after remaining in the moderate level until around 10 a.m. The "unhealthy" category, in which Carson City was 161 and Gardnerville 162, means everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
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Smoke-filled skies continue to grip Carson City and Western Nevada on Wednesday though some of the haze has eased since the first part of the week.
Air quality around Carson City on Wednesday morning was in the “moderate” category with a rating of 79 on the Air Quality Index. This 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.
Meanwhile, the Carson Valley and Gardnerville area had a reading of 114, putting the area in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. The Reno and Sparks areas are also in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category with an AQI reading of 115.
Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
For more air quality information, go to AirNow here and click on the map. Regular air quality updates for our region can be found at nvair.ndep.nv.gov.
With several fires burning in Northern California and Nevada, air quality levels are expected to change between “moderate” “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and “unhealthy" due to shifts in winds aloft. The weather service advises that while the heavy smoke haze may have lifted Wednesday morning, it could return later in the day or on Thursday.
Carson Tahoe Health recommends everyone start to consider the following precautions in times of moderate or worse levels:
— Shelter in place, stay indoors.
— Keep hydrated to suppress a cough and help prevent smoky air from settling in the lungs
— Use air conditioning if possible. This helps filter air throughout the house
— Keep all doors and windows shut in both home and vehicles, when in a vehicle make sure the air conditioner is set to recirculate the air
— Humidifiers can help with the air quality in a home or building
— Masks are available for purchase at hardware stores and can help filter the air and aid in comfort; especially for those with breathing disorders
Seek emergency care if:
— You are having trouble breathing or can’t say more than four words without having to stop and take a breath
— You experience excessive sweating
— Your lips are turning blue
— You are confused or lose consciousness
The National Weather Service in Reno has cancelled a Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday, however, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Thursday due to expected windy conditions, and low humidity. The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
The weather services advises people to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
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