San Gabriel Valley Air Quality To Be In Unhealthy Range Saturday

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, CA -- The South Coast Air Quality Management District says that air quality could be in the unhealthy range on Saturday for some sensitive groups in the San Gabriel Valley, including kids and adults with asthma, and that they should take caution.

The forecast released by the AQMD lists the highest expected Air Quality Index level -- for ozone unless otherwise noted -- in each area of the South Coast Basin. Air quality is designated ``unhealthy for sensitive groups'' when AQI levels are from 101 to 150. At this level, active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

The SCAQMD forecast says that air quality on Saturday will be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the following areas:

San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys AQI: 108 Ozone
San Gabriel Valley AQI: 105 Ozone
Riverside Valley AQI: 133 Ozone
Hemet/Elsinore Area AQI: 136 Ozone
San Bernardino Mountains AQI: 150 Ozone
Big Bear Lake AQI: 129 Ozone
Banning Pass Area AQI: 150 Ozone
Antelope Valley AQI: 115 Ozone
Victor Valley AQI: 140 Ozone

Also, air quality is expected to be unhealthy in the following area:
San Bernardino Valley AQI: 159 Ozone

The AQI measures the amount of pollutants in the air, whether ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter) or PM10 (particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter).

Conditions are considered ``good'' when AQI levels are between zero and 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

When AQI levels are 51 to 100, air quality is deemed ``moderate,'' which means that air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

When AQI levels are between 151 and 200, air quality is deemed ``unhealthy.'' At this level, active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

``Very unhealthy'' air quality is declared when the AQI registers between 201 and 300. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, should avoid all outdoor exertion when the AQI is at this level. Everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.