Millbrae Public Health Air Quality Alert

Press release from the City of Millbrae:

August 20, 2020

Air quality throughout the Bay Area may be unhealthy due to the number of wildfires around the region. The California Department of Public Health and Bay Area Health Officers are urging residents in fire-stricken regions to be aware of poor air quality and the effects it can have on their health.

While cloth face coverings offer protection against COVID-19 virus spread, they do not provide protection against smoke particles. People who must be outdoors for long periods, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, may want to wear an N95 respirator mask.

Those with existing respiratory, lung or heart conditions should limit their exposure by staying indoors. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart conditions should check with their doctor before using one.

The best way to protect against the potentially harmful effects of wildfire smoke is to reduce wildfire smoke exposure, for example, by seeking cleaner air spaces and shelters.

Residents should monitor children and check in on others who may be more susceptible to the health impacts of wildfire smoke. Seek immediate medical care if someone is experiencing chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.

The following tips can help people reduce smoke inhalation and associated problems during wildfires:

Stay Indoors: Stay inside with the doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to smoky air. If you have power, run an air conditioner if you have one. If the air conditioner has a recirculate option, use it. Smoke levels can change throughout the day, so try to stay indoors during smokier times.

Re-Circulate Air: Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.

Stay Hydrated: Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, and irritated sinuses. Stay hydrated by drinking water during heavy smoke events.

Reduce Activity: Reduce physical activity to reduce inhalation of smoky air. During exercise, people can increase their air intake as much as 20 times from their resting level.

Remember that gathering with others indoors increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission. To reduce the risk of transmission when indoors, physically distance yourself 6 feet from individuals outside your immediate family, wash your hands frequently and wear a cloth face covering.

This press release was produced by the City of Millbrae. The views expressed here are the author’s own.