Air quality still bad today from the fires

November 17th, 2008, 10:35 am · Post a Comment · posted by Courtney Perkes

Smoky air and hot temperatures today have prompted a warning to take precautions from the Orange County Health Care Agency. All residents should avoid vigorous outdoor or indoor activity today, health officials say.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District says air quality continues to be unhealthy today. That means children, older adults and anyone with respiratory or heart disease should stay indoors with the windows closed. Everyone should drink extra water to keep the nose and mouth airways moist to help filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.

“Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigure,” said Dr. Eric Handler, the county health officer. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so individuals in these high-risk groups should take precautions until the situation is over.”

For more information, see the AQMD.

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