During the summer, get current air quality numbers at the Spare the Air Real-Time Data site.
Every summer, Western Nevada County experiences episodes when concentrations of the ambient air pollutant, ground level ozone, exceed health-based standards. In 2004, Western Nevada County was designated Federal non-attainment for the air pollutant, ground level ozone.
What is Ozone?
Ozone is a byproduct of vehicle emissions. Ozone transport is the primary source of ozone in western Nevada County. Vehicle emissions and emissions from industrial sources in the Sacramento area combine in the presence of sunlight to form ozone. Ozone is carried to the foothills by delta breezes.
Can I see ozone?
Traditionally we associate ozone with the gray smog or haze found near metropolitan areas. Ozone is actually a colorless, odorless gas. Even on a clear day, elevated ozone levels may be present.
How will I know if the air quality is unhealthy?
The best way to protect your family is to be informed when the ozone concentrations are unhealthy. Armed with information, residents can make informed decisions regarding the health of their family and their activities including spare the air strategies. Several tools are readily available to assist residents obtain information about unhealthy ozone concentrations.
Tools
SpareTheAir.com
The most significant tool available to the public is ozone mapping. The Sacramento Air Quality Management District's website www.SpareTheAir.com provides regional up-to-date ozone information on the Spare the Air Real-Time Data page. Ozone movies illustrate ozone concentration data from the
Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District's ozone monitor in Grass Valley. This is a powerful tool because the data is current, within a 20-minute window. Residents can access the website, find the current range of ozone concentrations and make informed decisions about their family's activities. Although the site discontinues to report current ozone conditions at 10:00pm each day, if western Nevada County concentrations remain high just prior to 10:00 PM, residents can project " carry-over" ozone levels into the early morning hours. Generally, the Sacramento area does not experience carry over ozone concentrations. In contrast, western Nevada County may begin the day with elevated levels, carried over from the prior day.
Local ozone forecasts
From May through September, the Northern Sierra AQMD's ozone forecasts are published in the Union and reported on local radio stations, along with weather information.
The Northern Sierra AQMD also features a free ozone health advisory. This email advisory will notify participants when ozone levels are projected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Contact the air district at (530) 274-9360 and subscribe for this free service.
Regional ozone information
Regional ozone information is reported with weather forecast on all the regional network stations. While this information is valuable, it generally reflects conditions in the Sacramento region. Ozone carry-over, a condition in western Nevada, is often not reported.
Why does exposure to high concentrations present a health risk?
Our bodies do not have the ability to filter this harmful air pollutant. As ozone damages our delicate lung tissue, it inflames and constricts airways and upsets the fluid balance in our lungs. It can cause the muscles around the airways to tighten. The most common symptoms are a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and a decreased performance level in athletes. Studies are being conducted to evaluate the role of ozone exposure to the onset of asthma. Other studies indicate an increase of emergency hospital admissions from respiratory distress during periods of elevated ozone concentrations.
The health-based standards were established to protect the public health. These standards, ambient air quality standards, take into consideration not only peak concentration values, but consider the duration of concentrations an important factor. This is important for western Nevada County residents.
During ozone episodes, concentrations of ozone are highest from late afternoon to the evening. Because of the area's topography, ozone levels can remain high throughout the night and into the morning hours, carry over ozone. Carry over ozone, increases exposure to elevated ozone levels, and resident's health risk.
The
Air Quality Index standardizes pollutant information across the nation. It sets health risk categories for specific concentration ranges. It also establishes risk levels for certain groups of the population. When the air quality index exceeds 101, there is the potential of health risk for sensitive groups.
What groups are considered sensitive to ozone exposure?
All children are sensitive individuals. Because their respiratory system and immune systems are not fully developed, children are more sensitive to elevated ozone levels. Seniors, individuals that work outdoors, pregnant women, individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD and athletes exercising vigorously outdoors are sensitive individuals.
What should I do if ozone levels are high?
As we have seen, staying informed is the key to avoiding health risks. Sensitive individuals should modify their activity to avoid physical exertion and prolonged exposure outdoors. If you experience respiratory distress, notify your health care provider immediately. A severe bronchial spasm could close an airway.
This is the appropriate time to encourage young children to play indoors. Parents and students are encouraged to complete school health forms disclosing respiratory conditions like asthma. Educators and coaches should be alert to any form of respiratory distress. Coaches and athletes should be aware when ozone levels are unhealthy and make good decisions to avoid health risk.
