AIR QUALITY INDEX REACHES
UNHEALTHY LEVEL

    PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL—The Air Quality Index reached 118 today which is in the unhealthy to sensitive groups range. This is mostly due to smoke from wildfires burning in the area. The Palm Beach County Health Department is advising people sensitive to smoke especially those with respiratory and heart issues to limit their outdoor activities.

Smoke is a respiratory irritant, and can cause scratchy throat, irritated eyes, nose and worsen conditions such as asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions. Avoid prolonged outdoor activities. Stay indoors and run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. For best results, run the air conditioning with re-circulated air.

Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

Keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles! Don't vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don't smoke tobacco.

Follow your doctor’s advice about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have respiratory or heart disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Air Quality Index can be found by calling 561-837-5092 or at www.pbchd.com

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For more information, reporters may contact:
Public Relations,  Tim O’Connor
email: feedback
Phone: (561) 671-4013 
FAX:    (561) 837-5197