Date
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
The Air District is issuing an air quality advisory for the Novato area due to smoke from a fire at the Redwood Landfill. Smoke is drifting throughout the Novato area and will continue to impact the community until the fire is out and winds increase later this afternoon.
The public can check for real-time smoke pollution levels in their local area with the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map.
Smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time.
It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, and temperatures allow, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Residents can also reduce their exposure to smoke by setting their car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. The use of indoor air filtration or going to a location with filtered air, such as a library or mall, can also help reduce smoke exposure.
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 those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard and therefore, no Spare the Air Alert is in effect. Check the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map to see if smoke is affecting your area at: https://fire.airnow.gov/.
View press release.
Last Updated: 10/8/2024