ABQ issues air quality alert Wednesday

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Chaparral Controlled Burn northeast of Jemez Springs has led the city of Albuquerque to issue an air quality alert after smoke drifts into the Albuquerque area.

A thin layer of haze can be seen at the Sandias from the Westside.

Expect areas of smoke before noon in the metro area.

This notice is in effect for the following period:

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 4:30 PM
to
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at mid-morning

Although this is a relatively small burn, the smoke will continue to be a factor if the wind pattern and inversion possibilities don’t change.

The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department recommends that all individuals take precautions when outdoors in areas when smoke is visible or can be smelled. During unhealthy periods, the following actions are recommended, especially for individuals sensitive to particulate pollution:

• Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode. Avoid using swamp coolers that can circulate outdoor air inside.
• Limit time spent outdoors.
• If symptoms of heart or lung disease occur, (including severe coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness) contact your health care provider.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their health management plan from their health care provider. Asthmatic individuals should follow a prescribed asthma management plan. If conditions are creating a health emergency, call 911 or seek medical attention at the nearest medical facility.
• Avoid physical activity outdoors.
• Motorists use recirculated air while using air-conditioning during smoke events.