The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) issued a warning to all Valley residents today concerning blowing dust resulting from gusty winds. The "health cautionary statement" lasts from today through tomorrow. It covers the entire air basin which encompasses San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the Valley portion of Kern counties.
The APCD cautioned that the winds may produced areas of localized blowing dust, which can result in unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller (PM10). Exposure to such small particles can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.
Because of these risks, people with existing conditions, older adults, and children should avoid lengthy exposures to gusty winds in their areas.
The APCD has real time links to local air monitoring stations throughout the Valley. These may be accessed here: RAAN monitors
