Air Quality Advisory: Air Quality is Unhealthy in Parts of Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) forecast, air quality will be unhealthy for the following individuals tomorrow, Sunday, October 4, in the following areas:

Unhealthy for All Individuals:

West San Fernando Valley
East San Fernando Valley
West San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Mountains

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups/Individuals:

Central Los Angeles
Southeast Los Angeles County
Pomona/Walnut Valley
South San Gabriel Valley
Santa Clarita Valley

In areas with air quality unhealthy for all, Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Muntu Davis advises people living or working in these areas to minimize outdoor activities, reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, and take more breaks during all outdoor activities. People who are sensitive to air pollution, such as older adults, children, and those with heart or lung disease, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to a time when air quality is better, and stay indoors as much as possible. Everyone should watch for symptoms.

In areas with air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups/individuals, people who are sensitive to air pollution, such as older adults, children, and those with heart or lung disease, are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, keep activity outdoors short, and watch for symptoms. For everyone else, it's ok to be active outside and watch for symptoms.

Air pollution can cause symptoms, even in people who are healthy. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and chest tightness or discomfort with activity or deep breaths.

If symptoms occur, these are signs to take it easier, stop all activity, go indoors, or use quick-relief medicines as prescribed. If symptoms don't improve, get medical help.

For current air quality maps and forecast, visit the AQMD website at http://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality.

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth .lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealth, facebook.com/lapublichealth, instagram.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/lapublichealth.

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