Air quality levels in the Niland area have reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, according to an alert from the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.
People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk, especially when they are physically active, according to the alert. It is because levels of particulate matter 10 reached levels of 101 on the air quality index.
There is an increased likelihood of respiratory systems in sensitive individuals, and aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in people with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cautions that "people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion." 'Prolonged' generally means four or more hours with short rest periods. 'Heavy exertion' is that which would increase the resting breathing rate four fold or greater.
People can reduce exposure to particulate material by reducing the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities and postponing outdoor activities to days when particulate levels are lower.
