The Tehama County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Advisory about wildfire smoke impacts in Tehama County due to the Shoe Fire. Conditions throughout Tehama County will likely vary from “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Hazardous” as smoke from the wildfire drifts over the area.
When wildfires move into communities, they present both environmental and public health hazards. The main public health hazard is caused by small particles of toxic materials contained in the smoke that originate from the burning plastics and other chemicals. These particles are referred to as PM2.5. The reason PM 2.5 is a concern is because this size particle can cause both pulmonary and cardiovascular health problems. In addition to particulate matter, ground -level ozone can also cause inflammation in the lungs and an overall reduction in lung function.
Health related symptoms associated with smoke and ozone impacts can vary across different age groups, but in general common symptoms to look for include coughing, scratchy throat, watery and itchy eyes, headaches, and difficulty breathing. For at risk individuals, children, elderly and those with existing heart and lung disease, symptoms may also include wheezing, chest pain and fatigue.
Strategies to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke include staying indoors, reducing outdoor physical activity, reducing indoor sources of air pollution (use of tobacco, vape devices and wood burning stoves), and changing your indoor air filters frequently. Also, evaporative coolers cannot filter out ozone, so it is recommended that you reduce use of evaporative coolers on high ozone days, unless there is a heat emergency. If you must go outside, consider wearing an N95 mask, especially if you are in a high-risk category.
In addition, all open burning is prohibited during this period.
More information, including access to air quality data and AQI table, is available at www.tehcoapcd.net/current-air-quality. Questions may be directed to 530-527-3717 during regular business hours.
Protection Messages
Keep doors and windows closed, seal large gaps as much as possible. Avoid using exhaust fans (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, clothes dryer, and utility room exhaust fans). Keep the garage-to-home door closed.
If cooling is needed, turn air conditioning to recirculate mode in home and car, or use ceiling fans or portable fans (but do not use whole house fans that suck outdoor air into the home).
If a home has a central heating and/or air conditioning system, install higher-efficiency filters (e.g., filters rated at MERV 13 or higher) if they can be accommodated by the system. Regardless of whether a filter upgrade has been performed, the system’s circulating fan can be temporarily set to operate continuously to obtain maximum particle removal by the central air system’s filter, although this will increase energy use and costs.
Operate appropriately sized portable air cleaners to reduce indoor particle levels. Avoid indoor sources of pollutants, including tobacco smoke, heating with wood stoves and kerosene heaters, frying or broiling foods, burning candles or incense, vacuuming, and using paints, solvents, cleaning products, and adhesives.
Keep at least a 5-day supply of medication available. Have a supply of non-perishable groceries that do not require cooking.
If symptomatic, seek medical attention.
If air quality is unhealthy and above, and if you are unable to create your own cleaner indoor air space to shelter in place, evacuate to a cleaner air shelter or leave the area, if it is safe to do so.