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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
November 20, 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 for Southern Santa Barbara County
Forecast for Strong Winds; Potential for Poor Air Quality in Some Areas

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 Southern Santa Barbara County, indicating that strong winds after dusk could possibly stir ash particles into the air and create localized areas of poor air quality. The National Weather Service indicates that winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour are possible Thursday evening affecting the southern part of the county.  

 The agencies will update this advisory on Friday and issue an Air Quality Warning if areas of the county are experiencing poor air quality.  

If ash and dust particles 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 particles are in the air. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to 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.  

Residents are cautioned to minimize exposure to ash particles and to avoid stirring particles into the air when cleaning areas.  Additional information on post-fire cleanup is available on the District’s website on this page.

An Air Quality Watch is issued when there is potential for poor air quality in some areas of the county. For recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802  

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