Carson Valley air ‘hazardous’; Carson City ‘unhealthy’

Dense smoke from wildfires has left air quality in the Carson Valley in the hazardous range, according to airnow.gov.

The air quality index (AQI) for Gardnerville was 377 at 10 a.m.

In Carson City, the AQI was 155, or unhealthy, at 10 a.m.

The scale:

Hazardous: 301-500

Very Unhealthy: 201-300

Unhealthy: 151-200

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: 101-150

Moderate: 51-100

Good: 0-50

The National Weather Service has issued a dense smoke advisory through 7 p.m., on Monday for the Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden area

“Areas of dense smoke have settled into parts of the Sierra and western Nevada today from wildfires burning in the region,” according to the advisory. “Currently the worst air quality conditions are in Alpine and Douglas counties, especially around Gardnerville where AQI is in the Hazardous range. Light winds through early afternoon means conditions will be slow to improve.

“Visibility has been reduced by smoke in some areas to less than 1 mile.

“Dense smoke will lead to unhealthy air quality. Those who are sensitive to smoke should remain indoors. Those planning to be outdoors should consider alternate activities to reduce exposure to smoke.”

Check airnow.gov for more information.

According to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should move activities indoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Chief Medical Officer for Nevada Dr. Ihsan Azzam states, “Particulate matter from massive fires continue to pollute our air and can irritate eyes, skin, throat and lungs, causing chest tightening and pain, stinging eyes, headaches and sore throats, and can worsen sinus and ear infections. The very young and very old, pregnant women, and those with heart and lung conditions, especially asthma and COPD patients, are most susceptible to side effects from wildfire smoke. It is strongly recommended for Nevada residents to avoid heavy activity and monitor the air quality index before spending extended periods outdoors. Please stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to limit your home’s exposure to smoke. Additionally, please avoid heat exposure and consume adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration.”

“We monitor air quality conditions on an hourly basis in Carson City and Gardnerville, and will continue to report that information for the public to view at AirNow.gov. It’s important for the public to be informed and take recommended steps to protect their health,” said Jeffrey Kinder, deputy administrator for the Air Programs at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Changes in air quality from wildfire smoke can occur rapidly.