The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert in the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley due to high levels of ozone (smog). The air quality alert is in effect through 9 AM Wednesday. Elevated levels of ozone the predominant summertime pollutant are likely to result in poor air quality in the afternoon and early- evening hours. Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Air quality can change depending on time of day and weather conditions. Increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather can cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution. To help minimize ozone air pollution levels: Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening Check air quality levels and take appropriate action as needed. When air quality index (AQI) levels are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange), people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, children, and older adults should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. When air quality reaches Unhealthy (red) AQI levels, everyone may experience adverse health effects and sensitive groups should avoid prolonged time outdoors. At Very Unhealthy (purple) AQI levels, sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity and everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District website at aqmd.gov or download the mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp. Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at www.aqmd.gov/advisory. ...AIR QUALITY ALERT DUE TO ELEVATED PARTICLE POLLUTION LEVELS FROM WINDBLOWN DUST... The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to increased particle pollution from blowing dust in the Coachella Valley. The air quality alert is in effect through 9 AM on Wednesday. In areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity. Run your air conditioner or an air purifier. If temperatures allow, avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Exposure to high particle pollution levels can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart disease should avoid prolonged exposure and strenuous activities when particle pollution levels are high. To help minimize outdoor particle pollution levels: Carpool, telecommute, reduce trips, or take public transportation Slow down if driving on dirt roads Stabilize loose soils Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on wind conditions.