LA Coast Ozone Warning: Poor Air Quality Expected In Heat Wave

SANTA MONICA, CA — A heat wave across the Los Angeles basin is increasing the likelihood of poor air quality in many areas along the coast, officials said.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches and warnings. High temperatures are expected to last through at least Saturday.

Levels of ground-level ozone, or smog – the predominant summertime pollutant – are likely to reach the unhealthy or higher Air Quality Index levels throughout most of the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley. Very Unhealthy AQI levels are expected in favored locations such as Southwestern San Bernardino County. Areas near the coast may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher AQI levels.

Atypically poor air quality is due to a strong high-pressure ridge located over the Desert Southwest.

Temperatures are expected to reach the highest Tuesday through Saturday, the NWS reports.

"Elevated temperatures, which enhance ozone formation rates and increase emissions of chemicals leading to ozone formation, coupled with predicted light winds may cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution," according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Research also indicates that ozone exposure can increase the risk of premature death. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone, officials said.

When air quality is unhealthy and reaches an air quality index (AQI) range of 151 to 200, everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and residents with higher sensitivity to air pollution may experience more serious effects. People with heart disease, pregnant women, children and older adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma should avoid prolonged time outdoors.

When air quality is very unhealthy with an AQI range of 201 to 300, everyone in the region may experience more serious health effects. People with heart disease, pregnant women, children and older adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma should avoid all outdoor physical activity.

Health officials are warning people to avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor activity.

Public Health issued the following recommendations to stay safe during high-temperature days:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella
• Never leave children or pets in cars and call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone
• Beware of heat-related illness, like heat stroke and call 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin
• Check on those at risk, such as those who are sick, older adults, pregnant women, and children, and those who live alone
• If you are wearing a mask, avoid strenuous workouts wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purposes.

"While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out and check on others, in particular those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of high temperatures, including children, the elderly, and their pets," said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis. "High temperatures are not just an inconvenience, they can be dangerous and even deadly."

County and city partners operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of free cooling centers. Visit the county's website to find a location or call 211.

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, can call 2-1-1 for emergency preparedness information and other referral services.

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

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