The Washoe County Health District – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an air quality advisory due to smoke from the Mosquito Fire. The air quality index (AQI) for the Reno-Sparks area is expected to be “Moderate” to “Unhealthy” at times today and into the weekend.
An air quality advisory means that residents, especially those in sensitive groups, should be aware of the changing air quality over the next several days and to Be Smoke Smart.
Unhealthy air quality has the potential to cause negative health impacts, particularly for sensitive groups, which include the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant people and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain.
Sign up for Washoe County Air Quality updates here.
Periods of smoke and clearing may rapidly fluctuate through the weekend based on the wind. AQMD has issued these recommendations to reduce exposure to smoke:
- Check AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map for the latest AQI nearest you before doing outdoor activities.
- The AirNow.gov mobile app is also available
- Reduce outdoor activities and stay indoors when it is smoky.
- Keep indoor air clean. Do not vacuum, light candles, fry food, or smoke.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
Original source can be found here.
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