The district said current air monitor readings throughout Lake County show “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality levels.
All areas of Lake County experienced “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality on Monday.
The air quality forecast through Wednesday will range from “moderate” (AQI of 51-100) to “unhealthy” (AQI of 151-200) with areas at higher elevations expected to experience the most smoke impacts.
Current weather models indicate continued smoke and haze through Tuesday and possibly into Wednesday.
Expect fluctuating periods of poorer air quality as the occasional wind gust pushes smoke into Lake County.
Starting on Wednesday, a change is expected, with most areas of Lake County forecasted to reach “moderate” to “good” air quality.
This smoke forecast is based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary.
The district is actively monitoring the smoke impacts throughout the county. Additionally, you may go to www.lcaqmd.net and follow the quick links for air monitoring for current smoke and air quality conditions.
Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, elevation and time of day. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.
These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors.
Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.
Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp
coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors.
• Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If
available, use the “recirculate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.
If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen. Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.
Localized areas of unhealthy air quality are possible throughout this fire season. Take appropriate measures whenever smoke is present.
