With #AirQuality #AirPollution at unhealthy levels in the #BayArea region I thought it might be helpful to outline what it means, why you should care, and some tips on what you should be doing.👇👇👇 
Fine particulate matter or “PM2.5” are tiny particles suspended in the air that much smaller than the width of a human hair. When you breathe these particles enter your respiratory tract and end up in your lungs.
These last California wildfires have burned homes/buildings, as well as vegetation. That means the PM2.5 in the air most likely contains little bits of aerosolized electronics, rubber, plastic, asbestos, etc. That's what you could be breathing in. Nasty stuff!
So what are the effects? Short term you might experience symptoms like an irritated throat, sneezing, or shortness of breath. Studies show that prolonged exposures to PM2.5 is linked to chronic bronchitis, and increased mortality from heart/lung disease.
PM2.5 doesn’t only come from wildfires though. Did you know we are exposed to PM2.5 in the air everyday due mostly to vehicle exhausts? That’s why zero-emission vehicles, biking, etc. are really important from a public health standpoint. Okay, I’m getting off my soapbox.
The people most at risk and sensitive to PM2.5 that should be extra careful:
1) People with heart or lung disease
2) Seniors
3) Children (even teens as their respiratory systems are still developing)
4) Pregnant women
1) People with heart or lung disease
2) Seniors
3) Children (even teens as their respiratory systems are still developing)
4) Pregnant women
What are some things you can do? Masks can help.
Respiratory masks that are NIOSH-approved (marked N95, N100 or P100) can help filter out particles. You can find them at most hardware stores. MAKE SURE YOU BUY THE RIGHT ONE. Surgical or dust masks will not help.
Respiratory masks that are NIOSH-approved (marked N95, N100 or P100) can help filter out particles. You can find them at most hardware stores. MAKE SURE YOU BUY THE RIGHT ONE. Surgical or dust masks will not help.
Other general tips to keep safe:
1) Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
2) Minimize your time spent outdoors
3) Check in with family, friends or neighbors
1) Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
2) Minimize your time spent outdoors
3) Check in with family, friends or neighbors
Lastly:
Stay update-to-date by monitoring or signing up for alerts from your county health department, local air district, or emergency dept. website.
Of course, if you have any medical questions or experience any problems contact your doctor or call 9-1-1 if an emergency!
Stay update-to-date by monitoring or signing up for alerts from your county health department, local air district, or emergency dept. website.
Of course, if you have any medical questions or experience any problems contact your doctor or call 9-1-1 if an emergency!
Hope this helps! Stay safe, pray for those affected by the fires and risking their lives fighting the fires. And most of all, be kind and look out for one other.
