The AQMD declared an air quality alert on Sunday night for Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta, and Coachella. The increase in particle pollution from blowing dust is the cause of the declining air quality.
To ensure safety, it is recommended that residents stay indoors, keeping their windows and doors closed until the alert ends at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The AQMD advises using air conditioners or air purifiers and refraining from using whole-house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air, if the temperatures permit. It is also advisable to avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities during this time.
The alert emphasizes the detrimental effects of high levels of particle pollution on health. It warns that individuals may experience severe health issues such as asthma attacks, symptoms of heart and lung diseases, and an elevated risk of respiratory infections. Those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions should adhere to their doctor’s guidance. Moreover, children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart diseases are advised to minimize their exposure to pollution and refrain from engaging in strenuous activities during periods of high pollution levels.
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Residents are being encouraged to take various measures to help reduce pollution levels. These include carpooling, telecommuting, cutting down on unnecessary trips, and opting for public transportation. The alert also suggests driving at slower speeds on dirt roads and taking steps to stabilize loose soils.
This summer, several cities in California have been dealing with worsening air quality due to the smoke from wildfires. As of Tuesday morning, the air quality in the AQMD region was at a moderate level, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels ranging from 51 to 100. Although this range is generally deemed acceptable, it can still be hazardous for individuals who are sensitive to such conditions.
Air quality experts from AirNow, a coalition consisting of U.S. government and tribal agencies dedicated to monitoring air quality, are forecasting a deterioration in air quality in Southern California as the day progresses. This is especially expected during the hottest periods of the day.
