Valley’s gusty winds prompt health caution

Blowing dust as a result of gusty winds has prompted local air pollution officials to issue a health cautionary statement this afternoon through tonight.

The health caution extends throughout the eight-county air basin: Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and portions of Kern.

According to the San Joaquin Valley Air District, winds may produce areas of localized blowing dust, which can result in unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter. Exposure to particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis and increase risk of respiratory infections.

Residents in these areas with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. The District also advises that older adults and children avoid prolonged exposure or heavy physical activity, depending on their local conditions.

For more information, visit www.valleyair.org.

This story was originally published April 14, 2015 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Valley’s gusty winds prompt health caution."