California has been shrouded in haze for the past few days, with the situation particularly severe in Southern California. The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert, which is expected to remain in effect until midnight on December 16th (Tuesday). Authorities are advising residents to minimize outdoor activities to reduce health risks.
Due to the haze and pollution, air quality has deteriorated in many areas of Southern California, leading to reduced visibility and discomfort for many residents when venturing outside. Los Angeles County has been highlighted as a key monitoring area in the air quality alert issued by the National Weather Service.
During the air alert, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has also issued a mandatory wood burning ban for non-desert areas of Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Residents are prohibited from burning wood, wood pellets, or artificial logs indoors or outdoors.
Although the ban was lifted at midnight on Sunday (the 14th), the future situation depends on changes in air quality. The management district stated that when the predicted levels of fine particulate pollution or ozone concentration are high in any area of the South Coast Air Basin, burn bans must be implemented to protect public health.
In addition to Southern California, areas such as the Sacramento Valley, Carquinez Strait, the Delta region, and the San Joaquin Valley in the northern and central parts of the state have also been engulfed in dense fog over the past two days, impacting the safety of major roads such as Interstate 5 and Highway 99.
It is well known that harmful microscopic particles (PM2.5) pervade in haze and fog. These particles have a significant impact on the respiratory system, with common symptoms including coughing, difficulty breathing, potential decline in lung function, asthma exacerbation, chronic inflammation, weakened immunity, increased infection risk, higher rates of respiratory disease hospitalization, and mortality. Prolonged exposure to these harmful substances may also increase the risk of other diseases.
The National Weather Service also warns that particles in smoke can enter the lungs, leading to an increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Therefore, if conditions allow, it is advised to stay indoors as much as possible, especially for individuals with respiratory diseases, compromised health conditions, the elderly, and children.
The weather service further recommends that during air quality alerts, residents should reduce outdoor activities or shorten the time spent outdoors, avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers or other motorized tools to minimize pollution, and refrain from burning garbage or other items. Individuals with respiratory diseases or other potential health issues should exercise extra caution.
Additionally, using air conditioning or air purifiers is recommended, but it is important to avoid equipment such as evaporative coolers or whole-house fans that introduce outside air whenever possible.