ARB strengthens its health warning associated with wildfire smoke

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For immediate release

Date
Release Number
08-64

Contacts

Dimitri Stanich
Public Information Office
(916) 322-2990

SACRAMENTO – With wildfires continuing to burn, high temperatures lingering and lack of on-shore winds, state public health officials are advising people to limit their physical activities until particulate matter levels start dropping.

Air quality experts with the California Air Resources Board will be available all day today to interview on the health effects posed by the wildfires. In particular, ARB is strongly recommending that young athletes, runners and others do not exercise when air quality is deemed unhealthy by public health officials. Further, people with heart and lung disease, including asthma, should protect themselves from smoke by staying indoors with air conditioning turned to "recirculate". This is particularly important in areas of heavy smoke .

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a tool people can use to take action when particle levels reach unhealthy ranges.

To learn about current air quality conditions in your community using the AQI.
For ARB's health advisory for smoke, please go here.

To schedule an interview, call (916) 322-2990.

CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.