Advisory Duration: July 24 through July 26, 2024
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District, in collaboration with the Plumas County and Sierra County Public Health Departments, has issued a Joint Air Quality Health Advisory due to the smoke impacts from the Gold Complex (Mill Fires). The affected areas include regions south of Portola, particularly near the Mohawk and Whitehawk communities.
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of air pollutants that pose significant health risks, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) being the primary concern. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health issues, including eye and airway irritation, coughing, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, and irritated sinuses.
People who are particularly at risk include:
– Young children
– Older adults
– Pregnant women
– Individuals with chronic respiratory and heart conditions
– Outdoor workers
– People experiencing homelessness
Recommendations for Reducing Smoke Inhalation:
– Limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable populations.
– Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning set to recirculate.
– Use high-efficiency air filters (rated MERV-13 or higher) in HVAC systems.
For real-time air quality updates and additional resources, residents can visit:
Air Quality Information](https://www.airnow.gov)
Fire and Smoke Map](https://fire.airnow.gov)
District Website](https://www.myairdistrict.com)
Clean Air Centers](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/cleanaircenters)
For more detailed information, please refer to the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District’s website or contact local health agencies.
