Valley air district issues dust advisory
Oct. 11—A windblown dust advisory was issued for the San Joaquin Valley on Wednesday following reports of strong northwestern winds kicking up dust and particles into the air.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, alongside the National Weather Service, said in a news release that the counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the Valley portion of Kern should expect unhealthy air conditions Wednesday and early Thursday.
The advisory states that high winds could lift dust and soil to create air quality that is rated unhealthy or worse. Exposure can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and respiratory infections.
"Impacted residents are advised to stay indoors to minimize exposure to particulate matter emissions," according to the release, adding special consideration should be given to individuals with heart or lung disease, respiratory conditions, young children and the elderly.
Officials recommend that anyone experiencing poor air quality should move to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with their windows closed.
