Note:  This Air Quality Watch is no longer in effect.

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2010

Contact
Mary Byrd, Public Information Officer, 805-961-8833

Air Quality Watch Issued for Northern Santa Barbara County

Smoke Observed in the Santa Maria Area; Watch is in Effect through the Weekend

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District today issued an Air Quality Watch for Northern Santa Barbara County. Smoke that is believed to be from a prescribed burn in San Luis Obispo County is visible in the Santa Maria area. This is considered only an Air Quality Watch at this time.    

Smoke may be visible even when ground-level air quality is not affected. If you smell smoke in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children, should limit time spent outdoors, and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke is in the area. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to smoke and particles, including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your health care provider.  

The Air Quality Watch will be in effect through the weekend. See more information on the prescribed burn.

For more information, and to sign up for advisory updates, see www.OurAir.org, and for recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802.   

An Air Quality Watch is issued when there is potential for poor air quality in some areas of the county.  

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