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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2008
Public Health Contact:
Michele Mickiewicz, Public Information Officer, 805-681-5446.
805-451-3497 (cell)
Air Pollution Control District 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 Watch Reissued
Residents Cautioned about Post-Fire Cleanup of Ash and
Asbestos-Containing Building Materials
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara County Public
Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control
District today reissued an Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara
County. Although air quality has improved, some areas may still be
affected by smoke and 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.
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.
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.
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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