SACRAMENTO – The current dry, cold and stagnant weather conditions in the Central Valley are leading to unhealthy amounts of air pollution that could cause problems for at-risk residents.
“Stable conditions like those we are currently experiencing are one of the main challenges the San Joaquin Valley faces during the winter months,” said Jon Klassen, Director of Air Quality Science, in a statement released on Dec. 5. “This causes pollution to be trapped at ground level and build up quickly over a relatively short period of time, impacting the health of you and your neighbors.”
The California Air Resources Board says on its website that air pollution, described as PM 2.5, is not from one source, but rather is a mixture of airborne particulates, aerosols and chemicals that are 2.5 microns or smaller. Sources of PM 2.5 include exhaust from vehicles, manufacturing and wood smoke. Other pollutants, identified as PM 10, are generated by agriculture, dust and wildfires.
Officials are advising that residents should stay inside and can use high-quality air filters to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. Avoiding wood smoke is also recommended. Residents may qualify for help replacing wood-burning stoves through the Residential Wood Smoke Reduction program that runs from Nov. 1 to the end of February. The program offers up to $5,000 to replace wood-burning stoves and fireplaces and upgrade to gas appliances.
Air quality can be tracked through the ValleyAir.org website or by downloading the app. Symptoms of exposure to pollution can include asthma attacks, acute and chronic bronchitis, and emergency room visits. Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 can lead to premature death, heart and lung problems and reduced lung function and development in children according to CARB.
Children and infants are among the most susceptible to air pollution but people who have compromised immune systems should also take steps to reduce exposure to pollutants. Both PM 2.5 and PM 10 can enter the home through doors, windows and other leaks.
The Sun-Gazette recently reported on a new air monitoring tool that has been installed in Tulare County. Debuted in the community of Pixley, the air quality monitoring tool will help researchers in the Valley collect data on air pollution with the goal of identifying solutions to reducing poor air quality, according to previous reports.
