San Andreas, CA…The Calaveras County Health Officer and Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District are issuing a joint air quality advisory to notify the public of the potential for poor air quality conditions due to smoke from the various fires around the state. There are currently no fires burning in Calaveras County

The Hwy 4 corridor from Murphys through Copperopolis and the entire Hwy 49 corridor are currently experiencing very unhealthy levels of smoke. Other areas of the county are also experiencing substantial smoke pollution. These conditions may persist for several days.

If you can see or smell smoke, avoid all unnecessary outdoor activities, especially if you are in an area where visibility is greatly reduced. Any persons with heart or lung health issues should remain indoors with the doors and windows closed. All persons should avoid going outdoors.

Smoke contains very tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. While all people may experience varying degrees of symptoms, the more sensitive individuals – such as young, aged and those with respiratory conditions – are at greatest risk of experiencing more aggravated symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, headache, scratchy throat, and difficulty in breathing.

Here are additional ways to reduce your smoke exposure:
• Stay indoors with the windows and doors closed, if possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, wholehouse fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the
standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “recirculate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Limit outdoor exertion and physical activity
• Leave the smoke-impacted areas until conditions improve, if possible
• Reduce unnecessary driving. If traveling through smoke-impacted areas, be sure that your
vehicle’s ventilation system is on recirculate
• Do not smoke, vacuum, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution
• If you have asthma, take your medications and follow your asthma management plan
• Non‐HEPA paper face mask filters and bandana-type face coverings may be helpful in
reducing the spread of germs and viruses, but they are not capable of filtering out extra fine
particulates which are much smaller in size. Therefore, they will not be helpful in protecting
individuals from smoke-related impacts.

Anyone experiencing serious symptoms due to smoke should contact a health professional.
Persons who have a respiratory-related illness may also wish to consult their health care provider
if they are experiencing smoke exposure.

Keep in mind that air quality can change rapidly at different times during the day due to wind
shifts; therefore, it is important to monitor the smoke throughout the day in your area and make
outdoor plans accordingly.

Information on air quality and smoke can be found at the EPA’s Airnow updated Fire and Smoke
webpage at https://fire.airnow.gov which shows particulate matter data from permanent and
temporary air monitors along with low-cost sensor data and smoke plume visualizations.

The Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District will continue monitoring the air quality in
the county and will provide additional advisories as air quality conditions evolve.

For more information call the Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District at (209) 754-6399
or Calaveras County Health and Human Services at (209) 754-6448.