Air quality in Douglas reaches 'hazardous' level Monday, Carson City sees 'unhealthy' status
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 08/06/2018 - 8:40am
UPDATE 12:08PM: As of noon Monday, Carson City and Douglas County air quality is now in the "Very Unhealthy" category, according to the Air Quality Index, triggering a health alert meaning everyone may experience more serious health effects. Carson City's index reading was 222 and Gardnerville, 272.
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Smoke from regional fires has caused the air quality in the Gardnerville area of Douglas County to reach the "hazardous" stage Monday morning, with an Air Quality Index reading of 410, according to AirNow.gov, while Carson City has reached the "unhealthy" stage.
With the "hazardous" listing, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is an index for reporting daily air quality and what associated health effects might be an issue. In conditions that lead to an Hazardous designation, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Everyone else should avoid all physical activity outdoors, according to the AQI.
Carson City had an AQI of 155 as of 8:30 a.m., or "Unhealthy" The forecast both Monday and Tuesday is for the air quality to continue in the "Unhealthy" stage. Conditions are subject to change.
With the "Unhealthy" status, those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Some may begin to experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects, according to AirNow.gov.
The Reno and Sparks area was in the"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category Monday morning, with and AQI of 110.
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.
Douglas County has issued a safety list for residents who are advised to:
— Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air-conditioner on “recirculate” setting. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Minimize the use of swamp coolers. If it becomes too warm indoors, individuals may consider leaving the area to seek alternative shelter.
— Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
— Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease, Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. If you evacuate, make sure you take all essential medications along with you.
— Do not rely on dust masks or N95 respirators for protection. If you wish to wear something, use a wet handkerchief or bandana to cover your mouth and nose. The key – keep it moist.
— When driving make sure to drive with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on “recirculate.”
— Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise, during smoky conditions.
— People who must spend time outdoors should drink plenty of fluids.
— Additionally, pet owners should consider bringing their pets indoors out of the unhealthy air conditions, if possible. This is especially important for older pets.
— Stay tuned to local radio and TV for emergency announcements about air quality.
— Stay in touch with family and friends, especially if you live alone. Exercise your communications plan.
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