Photo by South OC Beaches
Sunday November 1 2015 begins the Mandatory No Burns Healthful Air Quality Program for all of Orange County.
As part of the Healthy Hearths™ initiative, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is asking residents to participate in its “Check Before You Burn” program.
This will help to improve wintertime air quality.
When unhealthful air quality is in the forecast it is mandatory that no wood fires be burned.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District will issue mandatory no-burn alerts from November 1 through the end of February for specific areas where fine particulates are forecast to reach unhealthful levels.
Daily forecast information can be found on the SCAQMD’s Check Before You Burn.
Wood Smoke Has Dangerous Health Risks
Wood smoke can be a significant source of fine particulate matter pollution, it also contains toxic air contaminants.
Health studies link fine particulate matter to serious health problems including decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeat and premature death.
Vulnerable groups include people with existing heart and lung disease, the young and the elderly.
South Coast Air Quality Management District Email Program
You can also sign up to receive Air Alerts on air quality and to be notified when a mandatory no-burn alert has been issued for your neighborhood.
South Coast Air Quality Management District Toll-Free Phone Number
Check Before You Burn information can also be obtained by calling 866-966-3293
