Air Quality Advisory Issued for Potential Locally Elevated Smoke Levels July 4-5
The Clark County Department of Air Quality (DAQ) is issuing an air quality advisory effective July 4–5, 2012, for potentially elevated smoke levels in some neighborhoods caused by local fireworks and outdoor barbecues. A portion of the smoke from these sources is made up of small particles and other pollutants that can be inhaled and aggravate respiratory diseases.
Pollution levels often increase on Independence Day as the evening progresses. In some previous years, under stagnant weather conditions, smoke levels monitored in some areas have exceeded the levels considered healthy. Typically, pollution returns to normal levels no later than the afternoon of July 5. Air Quality officials will monitor conditions, and will post an alert on the forecast page of the DAQ Web site if unhealthy levels occur. The forecast page is online at http://redrock.clarkcountynv.gov/forecast.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Airborne smoke is a form of inhalable air pollution that aggravates respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and asthma. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases may prefer to stay indoors. Other suggestions include:
- Wear a painter’s mask or surgical mask if you work outdoors to reduce exposure to smoke, dust, and particulates.
- Limit outdoor exertion. Exercise makes you breathe more heavily, increasing the amount of particulates you are likely to inhale.
- Keep windows closed and run the air conditioner inside your house and car. Air conditioners filter out smoke and particulates.
- Change indoor air filters if they are dirty.
- Use a propane grill - they burn cleaner and make less pollution
- Use your prescription or over-the-counter allergy, hay fever, or sinus medications if you have itchy eyes, a runny nose, or congestion.
- Consider attending a community fireworks event instead of doing a display in your neighborhood. This will lower the possibility of smoke and fire where you live. See a list of events.
DAQ posts detailed air quality conditions in the monitoring section of its Web site. You can also receive free air quality forecasts and advisories via e-mail or text message through the Enviroflash service subscription information is available at www.enviroflash.org.
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Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 14th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to more than 2 million citizens and 42 million visitors a year. Included are the nation’s 8th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to almost 900,000 residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.