Long Beach, California, United States

Air Quality Alert issued November 11 at 11:29AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

Issued by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has extended an air quality alert due to harmful levels of fine particle pollution. Visit https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted air quality levels. * WHERE...in Vernon, Maywood, Bell Gardens, Westmont, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Downtown LA, East LA and Huntington Park. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on emissions and local weather conditions. * WHEN...until 11:59 PM Thursday. * IMPACTS...Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.

To protect your health, check air quality levels and act as needed: * When Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (orange), sensitive groups as specified above should limit extended or intense outdoor activity. * When AQI is "Unhealthy" (red), everyone may experience health impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors. * When AQI is "Very Unhealthy" (purple), sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should avoid extended or intense outdoor activity. * When AQI is "Hazardous" (maroon), everyone should avoid all outdoor physical activity. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor: * Keep windows and doors closed * Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier * Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool * Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment

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