Poor air quality becomes concern during back-to-school season

Residents in the San Joaquin Valley are being reminded about the health risks that come with episodes of poor air quality during this back-to-school season.

Emissions related to the increase in traffic and vehicle idling that occur when children are dropped off and picked up at school often contribute to dirty air, local officials say.

On Monday, when many students in the area started school, air quality in Merced and Stanislaus counties was categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” including those with respiratory problems.

In areas such as Fresno and Tulare, Monday’s air was “unhealthy” for everyone, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District.

On Wednesday, air officials will discuss the potential of calling an Air Alert over the next few weeks if quality begins to deteriorate.

Air Alerts, according to the district, are declared Valley-wide when conditions such as increased emissions, high temperatures and stagnant air flow are favorable for ozone accumulation.

During an Air Alert, which could last several days, residents and businesses are urged to reduce vehicle emissions by driving less, refraining from idling their vehicles, carpooling and avoiding the use of drive-through services.

Poor air quality has been linked to several health problems. Exposure to fine particulate pollution, for example, can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

In Merced County, it is estimated that more than 15,000 adults and 7,000 children have asthma. Bad air can aggravate asthma attacks and worsen other lung ailments such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

School health officials keep an eye out for dirty air forecasts, said Leslie Schleth, head nurse at the Merced City School District.

When air quality is deemed “unhealthy,” students are not allowed to play outside and instead are given other options.

Schleth said parents of children with respiratory problems, such as asthma, are advised to form an asthma action plan with their medical provider and share it with school staff. Schleth said that a few years ago, there was a big push for doctors to create such action plans, but she sees fewer of them now.

To check local air quality, residents are advised to visit the air district’s Real-Time Air Advisory Network at www.valleyair.org.

This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Poor air quality becomes concern during back-to-school season."