Reducing the effects of smoky air
By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com

Old-fashioned common sense is the best way for residents to minimize the affects of the smoky, ashfilled air caused by the wildfires raging across Ventura County and throughout much of Southern California, according to local health experts.

Kent Field, an air quality meteorologist with the Ventura County Air Pollution District, said local air quality has been particularly bad because fierce offshore Santa Ana winds have pushed smoke from multiple Southern California fires over Ventura County.

"The wind is directing the smoke and ash in and over Ventura County and out to sea," Field said.

Field said he didn't have a report readily available comparing current and past air quality levels, but said the conditions this past week are as bad as they've ever been in the past.

"This is nothing that we haven't seen every three to 10 years," he said. "It's just this time around there's a lot more fires than just one or two."

Dr. Robert Levin, health director with the Ventura County Public Health agency, said the lungs and heart are impacted the most by poor air quality. He said although smoke-filled air poses the most health risks for seniors and young children, adults also need to do their best to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity.

"There are real health risks for seniors and everyone," Levin said.

Those with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or other ongoing heart and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to bad air quality.

County health officials said it's important for residents who use inhalant medications to ensure their prescriptions are up to date and have a five-day supply readily available. Inhalers should be carried at all times.

Levin said the decision to see a doctor for any health problems caused by polluted air should be up to the individual. He said, however, symptoms of high exposure to unhealthful air are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

The county health care agency offers residents a few tips on how to minimize the affects of smokefilled air.

•While inside, keep doors, windows and heating and air conditioning systems closed.

•Ceiling and free-standing fans should be used for cooling where possible.

•Do not use window fans.

•Use cold water to relieve dry, irritated eyes. Wash hands before flushing eyes.

•Drink plenty of water.