Smog Alert: San Gabriel Valley Air Quality Close To Unhealthy

DIAMOND BAR, CA -- The South Coast Air Quality Management District predicted that air quality will be in the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups range in the South Coast Air Basin on Wednesday.

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.

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.

Area AQI Forecast for Tomorrow

MODERATE in the following area(s):
Coastal Area AQI: 54 Ozone
Metropolitan Area AQI: 52 PM2.5
San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys AQI: 82 Ozone
San Gabriel Valley AQI: 95 Ozone
Inland Orange County AQI: 73 Ozone
Hemet/Elsinore Area AQI: 92 Ozone
Temecula/Anza Area AQI: 92 Ozone
San Gabriel Mountains AQI: 57 Ozone
San Bernardino Mountains AQI: 79 Ozone
Big Bear Lake AQI: 98 Ozone
Banning Pass Area AQI: 98 Ozone
Antelope Valley AQI: 51 Ozone
Victor Valley AQI: 95 Ozone
Northern Mojave Desert AQI: 95 Ozone
UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in the following area(s):
Riverside Valley AQI: 104 Ozone
San Bernardino Valley AQI: 101 Ozone
Coachella Valley/Low Desert AQI: 101 Ozone
Central Mojave Desert AQI: 134 Ozone

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.

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.