Air quality alert issued due to smoke

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Environmental Health Department's Air Quality Division has issued a health alert due to smoke that is causing elevated particulate matter levels.

This notice is in effect for the following period:

Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 830 AM

to

Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 1100 AM

Smoke from the Chaparral Controlled Burn in the Jemez Wilderness northwest of Jemez Springs has moved into Albuquerque this morning and could linger through the morning hours. Visual observations and pollution monitors show that, as of 8 a.m., the smoke is concentrated on the west side of the city and in the South Valley.

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.

Motorist use re-circulated air while using air-conditioning during smoke events.