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Some may want to turn up the air conditioner this weekend and enjoy summer from the inside. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District predicts low air quality, limiting outdoor activities for some.
"The way it's looking now is it's going to be on the low end of healthy," said Joe Fish at the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District in Grass Valley. "Heat is often a catalyst for chemical reactions. The ozone reaction and formation require solar radiation and heat."
With a high of 91 degrees predicted for today and a high of 97 for Sunday, heat will be a major factor. Fish also said if a delta wind is present, it will be the main transport of pollution to Nevada County.
People most affected by poor air quality will be the sensitive individuals. According to Fish, sensitive groups and individuals include the elderly, children, asthmatics and adults with pre-existing heart and lung disease, pregnant women, and athletes.
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District advises that people in these sensitive categories limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive individuals should especially be weary of activity during late afternoon and evening, when ozone levels are at their highest. Ozone levels are lowest between 7 a.m. and noon.
Symptoms of prolonged exposure to unhealthy ground level ozone levels are: Chest pain, coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, throat irritation, headaches, congestion and chest discomfort.
To ensure comfort, Fish urges those categorized in the sensitive individuals to stay indoors and minimize their exposure.
For current ozone conditions or more about ozone, go to www.sparetheair.com.
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To contact staff writer Lindsey Croft, e-mail lindseyc@theunion.com or call 477-4247.
"The way it's looking now is it's going to be on the low end of healthy," said Joe Fish at the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District in Grass Valley. "Heat is often a catalyst for chemical reactions. The ozone reaction and formation require solar radiation and heat."
With a high of 91 degrees predicted for today and a high of 97 for Sunday, heat will be a major factor. Fish also said if a delta wind is present, it will be the main transport of pollution to Nevada County.
People most affected by poor air quality will be the sensitive individuals. According to Fish, sensitive groups and individuals include the elderly, children, asthmatics and adults with pre-existing heart and lung disease, pregnant women, and athletes.
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District advises that people in these sensitive categories limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive individuals should especially be weary of activity during late afternoon and evening, when ozone levels are at their highest. Ozone levels are lowest between 7 a.m. and noon.
Symptoms of prolonged exposure to unhealthy ground level ozone levels are: Chest pain, coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, throat irritation, headaches, congestion and chest discomfort.
To ensure comfort, Fish urges those categorized in the sensitive individuals to stay indoors and minimize their exposure.
For current ozone conditions or more about ozone, go to www.sparetheair.com.
ooo
To contact staff writer Lindsey Croft, e-mail lindseyc@theunion.com or call 477-4247.
