Redding air quality index reaches unhealthy levels as prescribed fires burn across Shasta
Wildfire smoke has negative effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. When air quality is poor, it’s recommended to stay inside, close windows, wear a mask outdoors and run an air purifier.
The air quality index, or AQI, in Redding today has reached unhealthy levels, likely due to various prescribed fires taking place across Shasta County.
The AQI was at its highest in the late morning today, reaching very unhealthy levels at 229 AQI. By 2 p.m., the air quality improved, dropping to a level labeled as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” which includes babies, children, pregnant women, elderly people and those with heart or lung conditions or diabetes.
When air quality is poor, it’s recommended to stay indoors, close windows, wear a mask outdoors and run an air purifier because poor air quality can have negative effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Redding holds the #1 spot for cities in the United States with the worst air quality today. It’s predicted that the air quality will return to safe levels overnight tonight.
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest began a nearly 5,000-acre prescribed burn on Nov. 10 that’s scheduled to continue into next week and includes fires near McCloud, Shasta Lake and McFarland. The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area also conducted a 600-acre prescribed fire on Nov. 9 and 10.
Studies show that wildfire smoke is a serious health hazard that can irritate eyes and airways, worsen asthma, contribute to cardiac events and strokes and decrease the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses in the lungs.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow site is recommended by experts to stay updated on air quality conditions.
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