SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is issuing a Smoke advisory today due to smoke from multiple fires that developed overnight in the North Bay.
Heavy smoke from wildfires in the North Bay counties is causing very unhealthy air quality throughout the region and the smoke is moving into other parts of the Bay Area due to winds.
Bay Area residents impacted by wildfire smoke are advised to:
- Limit outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure if you smell smoke
- Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside
- Reduce exposure to smoky air by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, if possible
- If you cannot keep windows and doors closed due to high temperatures, seek out cooling centers in your area
- Stay tuned to local media for changes in smoke or weather conditions
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
Smoke impacts can be seen throughout the Bay Area and levels of fine particulate pollution may exceed national health standards. The Bay Area is expected to exceed national health standards for particulate matter.
The Air District will continue to monitor smoke impacts and issue additional advisories as conditions warrant.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (www.baaqmd.gov) is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.
