Is Merced’s air quality getting better? Here’s what experts say you should expect
Merced’s air quality improved slightly on Wednesday, after a week of unhealthy conditions tied to wildfires burning across California.
But wildfire smoke could make things worse again in the coming days, according to Anthony Presto, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
“Cooler temperatures and better wind dispersion have provided an improvement in air quality today for most areas of the San Joaquin Valley,” Presto said. “However many wildfires are still active throughout California and are expected to continue (to send) smoke into the Valley with the possibility of reaching unhealthy concentrations of PM 2.5 (particulate matter pollution) until these fires are extinguished.”
Presto urged residents to monitor air quality using tools such as www.myRAAN.com and the Valley Air app.
Merced’s fine particle matter measurement reached Level 5 — the highest level of air pollution — for six consecutive days starting Aug. 19.
When the particle matter pollution reaches Level 5, experts say all residents should avoid outdoor activities.
The air quality spiked at Level 4 on Tuesday. At Level 4, experts advise everyone to avoid vigorous or prolonged activities outdoors, and sensitive individuals should exercise indoors.
The particle matter measurement reached Level 3 at noon on Wednesday, which officials say means sensitive individuals should exercise indoors and avoid vigorous or prolonged activities outdoors.
“If you can smell smoke, you’re breathing smoke,” Presto said. “And if you see the haze of smoke in your area or smell smoke, treat air quality as Level 4 (unhealthy) and try to stay indoors if possible.”
People with respiratory conditions, including those suffering from COVID-19, should stay away from air pollution as much as possible, according to experts.
According to experts, particle matter pollution can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase heart attack and stroke risk.
Information on air quality due to wildfires can be found at www.valleyair.org/wildfire.
