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Smoke, Ozone Advisory Issued Due to Wildfire Smoke

Smoke, Ozone Advisory Issued Due to Wildfire Smoke

Media Contact:
Kevin J MacDonald, Public Information Administrator
702-232-0931 (mobile)
kevmac@ClarkCountyNV.gov

Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Click here for PDF): 

Smoke, Ozone Advisory Issued Due to Wildfire Smoke

AQ Twitter_advise-smoke&ozone

The Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is issuing an advisory for Thursday, Aug. 19, for elevated levels of smoke and ozone due to wildfire smoke from Northern California drifting into the region. DES Division of Air Quality officials say smoke is made of small dust particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation.


According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, people who may be most sensitive to elevated levels of particulates and ozone include individuals with respiratory problems, cardiac disease, young children or senior citizens. Consult your physician if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to air quality conditions.

Smoke is made of small particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation. Exposure to ozone can induce coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath even in healthy people. A seasonal ozone advisory is currently in effect.

SMOKE AND OZONE TIPS

  • Stay indoors when you smell or see smoke.
  • Limit outdoor activity and exertion when ozone levels are elevated – exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of particulates you may inhale.
  • Keep windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner inside your house and car. Air conditioning filters out smoke and particles.
  • Change your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
  • Schedule activities for the morning or evening when ozone levels are usually lower.
  • Substitute a less intense activity – walk instead of jog, for example.
  • Reduce driving – combine errands into one trip.
  • Don’t idle your car engine unnecessarily.
  • Use mass transit or carpool.
  • Fill up your gas tank after sunset. Try not to spill gasoline when filling up, and don’t top off your tank.
  • Keep your car well maintained.
  • Consider landscaping that uses less water and gas-powered equipment to maintain.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Less fuel burned at power plants means cleaner air.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH AIR QUALITY INFORMATION
The Department of Environment and Sustainability monitors air pollution through a network of monitoring sites throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Data is collected from these sites and reported at our monitoring website: AirQuality.ClarkCountyNV.gov. People can stay informed through a couple channels:

  • Twitter and Facebook: Read air quality updates in your Facebook news feed or tweets. On Facebook: facebook.com/SustainClarkCounty and Twitter: @SustainClarkCty.
  • EnviroFlash: Receive daily text or email messages with the latest air quality information. Learn more at enviroflash.org. The Dept. of Environment and Sustainability also issues advisories and alerts for ozone and other pollutants such as dust, smoke and other particulate matters.
  • AIRNow: Check air quality forecasts, current conditions and the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Clark County at AIRNow’s website.

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About the Department of Environment and Sustainability
The Department of Environment and Sustainability is the air pollution control agency, regional Endangered Species Act compliance program, and sustainability office for all of Clark County, Nevada. Established as the Department of Air Quality by the Clark County Commission in 2001, it was renamed in 2020 and is comprised of three divisions: Air Quality, Desert Conservation Program and Office of Sustainability. Through these three divisions, DES is ensuring the air we share meets healthful, regulatory standards, administering the County's Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and addressing climate change through the All-In Clark County initiative.

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 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2019). Included are the nation’s 7th-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 1.1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.

 



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