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                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2012

A JOINT AIR QUALITY & HEAT ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE  

BUTTE COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT and

BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

To:

Public Safety Personnel    School Officials

News Media    Sac. Valley Air Basin Coordinating Council

Adjacent Air Quality Management Districts    County Health Officer

Butte County & City Managers    California Air Resources Board

Local/State Law & Fire Federal     Environmental Protection Agency

Local Hospitals      

   

From: W. James Wagoner, Air Pollution Control Officer

     Dr. Mark Lundberg, MD, Health Officer

The Butte County Air Quality Management District Air Pollution Control Officer, and the Butte County Public

Health Officer are issuing this updated Air Quality Advisory to notify the public of continuing poor air quality

conditions in the foothill region of Butte County due to smoke from the Chips fire.  Smoke impacts will increase

through the morning and early afternoon hours with improvement through the rest of the day.  Smoke can be

very heavy at times, with air quality varying between Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Hazardous levels based

on the Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index (see AQI Table below).    Smoke impacts to valley

locations are forecast to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level of the AQI.    These conditions will

continue until the fire is extinguished.   

The major air pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter also known as PM2.5. While all persons may

experience varying degrees of symptoms, the more sensitive individuals, such as the young, aged and those with

respiratory conditions are of greatest risk at experiencing more aggravated symptoms which may include, but

are not limited to coughing, watery and itchy eyes, and difficulty in breathing.

Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and treatment.

The following actions are generally recommended in areas impacted by smoke:

 Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air conditioner on “recirculation” setting;

 Limit outdoor exertion;

 Reduction in travel including unnecessary driving;  

 Consult a doctor or health professional for guidance on potential exposure to smoke and

respirator or filter masks use;

 Avoid the use of non‐HEPA paper face mask filters which are not capable of filtering extra fine

particulates;

 Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water;

 Move to cleaner air areas if necessary and safe.
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The National Weather Service has also issued a Special Weather Statement for Northern California indicating a

prolonged period of hotter temperatures that are expected to potentially last into next week.  In Butte County,

valley regions could see highs between 105 to 110 degrees while foothill locations can expect to reach the upper

90s and possibly low 100s.    During this heat wave, residents should take preventative measures to protect

themselves from heat‐related illnesses.

While overheating can occur in any healthy individual, the elderly, young children and people with certain

medical conditions are at highest risk for heat‐related illnesses.  For those most susceptible, hot environments

should be avoided whenever possible.

Going to an air conditioned environment is often the best option to avoid heat‐related illnesses.  If adequate air

conditioning is unavailable at home, there are a number of accessible public places to cool off during the day.  

Venues such as stores, shopping centers, libraries or other public locations with air conditioning are good

alternatives.  Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into

the heat.

Here are some further recommendations to prevent heat related health conditions:

 Remember to hydrate frequently.  Rehydration is recommended by drinking plenty of non‐

alcoholic fluids.

 Avoid strenuous activities in hot weather conditions, especially between 11a.m. and 3p.m.

which is typically the hottest part of the day.

 Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.  Wear a hat when outdoors.

 Never leave pets or people, especially children and infants, unattended in cars during excessive

heat conditions.

 Animals also need a cool, shady place to sleep during hot weather, as well as plenty of clean,

fresh water that is accessible at all times.

The District will be continuing to issue daily air quality forecasts to the media.    Forecasts are issued for the

following locations:   Chico, Gridley, Oroville, Paradise, Forest Ranch and Concow/Yankee Hill.    The public can

sign up for the daily forecasts by visiting the District’s air quality forecast website at

http://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm.    The forecast is based on the Air Quality Level, determined by the

monitored 24‐hour average of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at each site. Since the Air Quality Level is an

average, air quality can reach levels above and below the average during the day.

Again, keep in mind that air quality can change rapidly at different times during the day due to wind shifts and

fire activity; therefore, it is important to monitor the smoke throughout the day in your area and make outdoor

plans accordingly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) and Visibility Chart below may be used to estimate the air quality

in your area.

Questions regarding air quality may be directed to the Butte County Air Quality Management District at 332‐

9400 during regular business hours.  Questions regarding the heat‐related recommendations may be directed to

the Butte County Department of Public Health at 538‐7581 during regular business hours.

Information will be updated and posted to the District website as available at www.bcaqmd.org.  

   
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Air Quality Index (AQI): Particle Pollution and Visibility Chart 

Index 

Values 

Levels 

of Health 

Concern 

Cautionary Statements Visibility Range in Miles 

0-50 Good None 10+ miles 

51-100* Moderate 

Unusually sensitive people 

should consider reducing 

prolonged or heavy 

exertion. 

5 – 10 miles 

101-150 Unhealthy for 

Sensitive Groups 

People with heart or lung 

disease, older adults, and 

children should reduce 

prolonged or heavy 

exertion. 

3 – 5 miles 

151-200 Unhealthy 

People with heart or lung 

disease, older adults, and 

children should avoid 

prolonged or heavy 

exertion. Everyone else 

should reduce prolonged or 

heavy exertion. 

1.5 – 2.5 miles

201-300 Very Unhealthy 

People with heart or lung 

disease, older adults, and 

children should avoid all 

physical activity outdoors. 

Everyone else should avoid 

prolonged or heavy 

exertion. 

1 – 1.25 miles 

301-500 Hazardous 

People with heart or lung 

disease, older adults, and 

children should remain 

indoors and keep activity 

levels low. Everyone else 

should avoid all physical 

activity outdoors. 

< 0.75 miles