Air Quality

Air district extends air quality advisory for Bay Area through Thursday

Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard and there is no Spare the Air Alert in effect.

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Another day of smoky, hazy skies around the Bay Area is possible, prompting air district officials to extend an air quality advisory through Thursday.

Smoke from wildfires burning elsewhere in Northern California and Oregon is expected bring air quality to low-moderate levels on the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Thursday will be the seventh consecutive day that an air advisory has been issued for the region.

Smoky and haze may be visible and the smell of smoke is possible. Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard and there is no Spare the Air Alert in effect.

If the smell of smoke is present, it's important that Bay Area residents to avoid exposure. If possible, residents should stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow, air district officials said.

Those impacted by smoke should set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.

A Spare the Air alert was issued Wednesday, with smoky skies and smog covering much of the Bay Area.  Ian Cull reports.

"Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses," according to the air district. "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."

To see air quality information, go to the air quality district's website.

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