Ozone Advisory Extended For Calabasas, San Fernando Valley

CALABASAS, CA — Air quality is likely to continue to be poor in inland areas of Southern California, including in Calabasas, this week, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in an Ozone Advisory issued Tuesday.

A warning is in effect for the San Fernando Valley from Tuesday, July 18 to Saturday, July 22. Air quality is expected to reach levels that are "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."

The new advisory comes after the expiration of one over the weekend, where conditions were expected to reach "Unhealthy" levels.

Much of inland Southern California will be effected with levels that are "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," while the worst air quality is forecast for large parts of San Bernardino County.

"The persistently high ozone levels are in part caused by high temperatures that increase ozone formation rates and emissions of chemicals leading to ozone formation," according to the SCAQMD.

After temperatures climbed into the triple digits in some parts of California over the weekend, the hot weather is set to continue into next week.

"Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage," according to the SCAQMD. "Research also indicates that ozone exposure can increase the risk of premature death. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with preexisting lung problems such as asthma may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone."

When smog levels reach SCAQMD's "Unhealthy" level, "everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion," according to the agency.

To view current air quality in your neighborhood, download the South Coast AQMDapp or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.