Air Quality Advisory For Wildfire Smoke Extended For Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the agency responsible for protecting the air for the nine Bay Area counties, extended an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke through Wednesday.

Smoke from 10 wildfires burning in California — mainly in Northern California — was expected to impact air quality throughout the Bay Area both Tuesday and Wednesday, causing air quality to reach moderate on the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index, the air district said.

Smoky, hazy skies may be visible and the smell of smoke is possible.

Pollutant levels were not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard; therefore, a "Spare the Air" alert was not issued.

"If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure," the air district said Tuesday. "If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside."

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly people, children and people with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, the air district said.

Check here for air quality readings.