Air Quality

Poor air quality may have greater impact on sensitive groups of people such as young children, older adults and those with existing respiratory problems. However, particulates like wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. Even someone who is healthy can get sick if there is enough smoke in the air. Breathing in smoke can have many health effects, including:

  • Coughing
  • Trouble breathing normally
  • Stinging eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Runny nose
  • Irritated sinuses 
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • Asthma attack
  • Tiredness
  • Fast heartbeat

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions when the air quality is poor:

  • Limit outdoor activity, particularly strenuous activity.
  • Consider wearing a mask when outdoors. N95 or KN95 mask are best for this type of particulate matter.
  • Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning if available.
  • Do not use window fans.
  • Do not turn your stove or bathroom fans on if they use outside air.
  • Keep car windows closed and the air circulator option on while driving.
  • Do not conduct open burning.
  • Check on your family members and neighbors.

Monitor air quality at airnow.gov.

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Last updated: June 12, 2023