FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
November 16, 2008

Contact:
Tom Murphy, Technology and Environmental Assessment Division Manager 805-961-8857, 805-403-1096 (cell)
Bobbie Bratz, Public Information Officer, 805-961-8890 or 805-455-6403 (cell)

Air Quality Warning Downgraded to Air Quality Watch
Residents Cautioned about Cleanup of Asbestos-Containing Building Materials 

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District today announced the Air Quality Warning issued for the county has now been downgraded to an Air Quality Watch. Although air quality has improved, some areas may still be affected by smoke/ash and fires burning in southern California still have the potential to impact our county's air quality. The air district also cautions homeowners and contractors to be careful when cleaning up burned building materials.

The ash that has been deposited can be resuspended by vehicle traffic and wind for some time, and could produce localized areas of unhealthy particle concentrations. This notice is considered only an Air Quality Watch at this time; changing winds and weather conditions will determine which areas of the county are affected, and the levels of smoke/ash in the air.

If smoke or ash are in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family's health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children, should limit time spent outdoors, and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke and ash are in the air. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to smoke or ash particles, including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your health care provider.

When houses burn, asbestos fibers from building materials may become airborne, creating a potentially hazardous situation. Cleanup can make conditions worse if not done properly. Handling materials that contain asbestos can be hazardous to your health.

It is also important when cleaning up ash particles to avoid doing anything to stir particles into the air, and especially to avoid using leaf blowers.

For more information, see this page on this site, and for recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802.    

An Air Quality Watch is issued when there is potential for poor air quality in some areas of the county.  

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