Heavy air, full of ash, hangs over Morgan Hill, San Martin and
Gilroy as a result of the wildfire that erupted in Henry Coe Park
on Monday, and experts are saying residents would be wise to
curtail unnecessary trips outside and outdoor exercise. The acrid
air burns the nostrils and throat and sparks spasms of coughing for
many residents.
Morgan Hill – Heavy air, full of ash, hangs over Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy as a result of the wildfire that erupted in Henry Coe Park on Monday, and experts are saying residents would be wise to curtail unnecessary trips outside and outdoor exercise.
The acrid air burns the nostrils and throat and sparks spasms of coughing for many residents.
According to information from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, “particulate matter” from the huge blaze east of the South County is having an extreme impact on the area’s air quality.
“It’s prudent to take precautions if your area is being affected by the fire,” said Jack Broadbent, the Air District’s executive officer. “If it’s smoky outside, keep your windows and doors closed. To minimize your exposure, it’s wise to stay indoors.”
Children, seniors and people who have respiratory problems including asthma are the most susceptible to poor air quality due to particulates. The smoke in the air may irritate the throat, nose and eyes. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice or treatment, officials advise.
Dr. George Green, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Saint Louise Regional Hospital, said warnings to the public about air quality need to be stronger.
“I have seen an increase in patients coming in for inhalers, for emergency respiratory treatments,” he said. “I’m surprised it hasn’t been worse at the hospital, but I believe it will be if the situation continues. This is the worst I’ve ever seen, it reminds me of the worst smog days in Los Angeles.”
Staying inside as much as possible, with air conditioners and air filters running, is the best way to avoid problems, he said.
Green would advise school coaches to take a break from games, matches and other outside sports activity.
“Consider those young lungs, and consider a lighter practice, an indoor practice, maybe lifting weights instead of running the bleachers, for example,” he said.
Gilroy Unified School District nurse Eileen Obata said the district is monitoring air conditions closely and has advised physical education instructors, coaches and teachers to watch students who have asthma or other pulmonary problems to make sure there is no sign of respiratory distress.
“And we’ve told them to listen to them,” she said. “If they complain of shortness of breath or other symptoms, or are coughing excessively, they should be allowed to go back indoors.”
Obata said coaches, instructors and teachers have been told to make sure students have plenty of water, maybe consider a “walk and talk” lunch or recess instead of more strenuous aerobic activity and to send students inside immediately if they experience any symptoms.
“Other than that, we’re pretty much business as usual, our tennis is in full swing,” she said.
Morgan Hill Unified School District Deputy Superintendent Bonnie Tognazzini said the decision to allow students to take their normal physical education classes and recesses outside is a site-by-site decision.
While the district is not recommending students be kept inside, district officials would stand behind a principal’s decision to keep students at his or her site inside, Tognazzini said.
Typically, the district makes decisions based on “Spare the Air” day recommendations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, but in this case, Tognazzini said, where the air is visibly smoky, the district is leaving the decision to the individual schools. Of course, Tognazzini added, officials have asked the principals to make sure students with asthma or other pulmonary problems that might be sensitive to these kinds of conditions be given special consideration.
EXPOSURE TO SMOKE
- Is smoke bad for me?
If you are healthy, you usually are not at a major risk of illness from smoke. However, even healthy children and adults can be affected by smoke and should take precautions. People who are at greater risk of illness from smoke include people with heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma. Children and the elderly are also more vulnerable.
- How do I know if I’m being affected by smoke?
You may have a scratchy throat, cough, irritated sinuses, headaches, runny nose, upset stomach or stinging eyes. Children and people with lung disease may find it difficult to breathe as deeply or vigorously as usual, and they may cough or feel short of breath. People with diseases such as asthma or chronic bronchitis may find their symptoms worsening. If you have repeated coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing or nausea, seek medical care immediately.
- What can I do to protect myself?
Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it’s probably a good time for you and your children to remain indoors and to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity. If you notice any symptoms – scratchy throat, cough, irritated sinuses, runny nose, upset stomach or stinging eye – you and your children need to remain indoors. If you are advised to stay indoors, keep your windows, doors and vents closed. Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Close the outside air intake and keep the air filters clean. If you do not have an air conditioner and outside temperatures are very high, it would be wise to seek shelter in a facility with air conditioning. If you have asthma, be mindful about taking your medicines as prescribed by your doctor. If you are supposed to measure your peak flows, make sure you do so. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
- How can I tell when smoke levels are dangerous?
Generally, the worse the visibility, the worse the smoke levels. Use visibility to help gauge wildfire smoke levels and approximate air quality.
For more information about smoke and your health, please visit the Santa Clara County Public Health Department at www.sccphd.org or call the Public Health Information Line at (408) 885.3980.
