Big Data
- Air quality in Yavapai County affected by fires in California
- People with heart and respiratory conditions should pay attention to local air quality
- See below for health tips for coping with smoke haze
- ADEQ operates a network of Portable Particulate Monitors across Arizona
Smoke in the air is likely coming from California wildfires
With fires burning in 11 western states, and 22 fires in California alone - where the Santa Ana winds are fanning the flames - the air quality in Yavapai County will be affected.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) operates a network of Portable Particulate Monitors across Arizona. These monitors record hourly average concentrations of particulates which have been linked to health and visibility concerns. The monitor in Prescott indicates an air quality index in the “moderate” range, whereas Sedona is still in the “good” range.
It’s especially important for you to pay attention to local air quality reports during this fire season, if you are:
- a person with heart or lung disease, such as heart failure, angina, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma.
- an older adult, which makes you more likely to have heart or lung disease than younger people.
- caring for children, including teenagers, because their respiratory systems are still developing, they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults, they’re more likely to be active outdoors, and they’re more likely to have asthma.
- a person with diabetes, because you are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease.
- a pregnant woman, because there could be potential health effects for both you and the developing fetus.
Health tips for coping with smoke haze:
- People who suffer from asthma or other breathing issues should stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities – seek medical advice as needed
- Keep windows and doors closed, or stay in air-conditioned areas
- Avoid vigorous exercise
- Cover your nose and mouth with a mask designed to filter fine particles – must be rated P1 or P2 and are available from hardware stores
- Postpone outdoor events
- Take advantage of smoke-free breaks in the environment to air out your home, but close up when smoke reoccurs
- If shortness of breath or coughing develops – seek medical advice or use a reliever
Resources:
ADEQ Deployed Monitors: https://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
USFS Deployed Monitor: https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap
