DIAMOND BAR (CNS) – A windblown dust and ash advisory has been extended through 7 p.m. Wednesday by the South Coast Air Quality Management District due to high winds in most of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties in the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley.
Blowing dust may result in air quality index levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, according to the SCAQMD. High winds may disperse ash from the Palisades and Eaton fires. Winds may also disperse ash from the Hurst, Kenneth, Line, Airport and Bridge fire burn scars.
Wind speeds and particulate matter 10 levels are expected to decrease throughout the region starting on Wednesday, according to the SCAQMD.
High winds may disperse ash from the Palisades and Eaton fires and may also disperse ash from the Hurst, Kenneth, Line, Airport and Bridge fire burn scars. Ash impacts are possible in all areas to the south and west of those burned areas.
Windblown ash particles may be too large to be detected by air quality instrumentation and will not influence air quality index levels. However, ash particles are typically visible to the naked eye either in the air or on outdoor surfaces.
Windblown ash from burned structures may contain higher air toxic levels. The SCAQMD advises people who see windblown ash to take precautions to reduce exposure.
The SCAQMD advises people in areas impacted by windblown dust or ash to:
— limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter;
— avoid vigorous physical activity;
— run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air;
— help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads;
— always wear proper personal protective equipment — long sleeve shirts, pants, gloves and safety glasses when working around ash. A well- fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible;
— do not use leaf blowers or take other actions — such as dry sweeping, that will put ash into the air.
To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with high efficiency particulate air filters.
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