Smoke Triggers Air Quality Advisory Through Tuesday In Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA – Smoke from wildfires in Northern California prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory through Tuesday in the San Francisco Bay Area. Winds are expected to blow smoke into the Bay Area, which may impact ground-level air quality, according to the air district.

"If you see or smell smoke, take steps to protect your health," air district officials said on Twitter.

If it looks smoky outside, residents should avoid physical outside activities and stay inside with windows and doors closed, according to the air district. Residents should also set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from coming inside.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in people who suffer from asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, air district officials said.

Click here for real-time air quality readings.

Photo by Ashley Ludwig/Patch