Air Quality Alert 8-30-12
Incident: North Pass Wildfire
Released: 8/30/2012
MENDOCINO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
For Immediate Release
August 30, 2012
Public Health and Air Quality Alert
For Covelo / Round Valley Area and Inland Mendocino County
Thursday August 30, 2012 through 10:00 A.M. Friday August 31, 2012
Smoke is likely to be heavy at times in the Covelo / Round Valley and inland areas due to the wildfires. Smoke concentrations in these areas have reached levels considered to be 'Hazardous' under state and federal air quality standards. It is advised that all residents decrease their outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible in the Round Valley and inland areas of the County. Close all doors and windows, and turn the air conditioner to recirculation mode. Ceiling fans and portable fans should be used, as well as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter when available. Patients with emphysema, asthma and cardiovascular disease should limit outdoor activities. Anyone using daily bronchodilator inhalers, oxygen or steroids should not be outside unless absolutely necessary.
Conditions are expected to be worse at mid-day with some clearing in the late afternoon. Overnight temperature inversions may cause heavier smoke concentrations in lower elevations and valleys. All patients with lung or cardiovascular disease should check and make sure they have 5-7 days of medication on hand.
Visibility Range
AQI
Health Category
Health Effects
10+ miles
0-50
Good
None
5 - 10 miles
51-100
Moderate
Usually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion
3 - 5 miles
101-150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion
1.25 - 3 miles
151-200
Unhealthy
Everyone should limit prolonged exertion outdoors.
1 - 1.25 miles
201-300
Very Unhealthy
Very unhealthy sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
