Map: Check air quality in Northern California this weekend – KCRA

Air Quality Report and Public Health Advisory

Current Weather and Air Quality Conditions

High pressure systems have resulted in stagnant air, causing thicker morning fog and afternoon haze over the weekend. This atmospheric condition has led to degraded air quality levels in the Valley, remaining “unhealthy” for sensitive groups such as individuals with lung ailments (COPD, asthma), the elderly, and young children. Meteorologist Kelly Curran advises that even healthy adults should limit strenuous outdoor activities and prefer indoor workouts to reduce exposure.

Regulatory Measures: Check Before You Burn Program

The Sacramento Air Quality Management District has declared Sunday as “Stage 1 – No Burn Unless Exempt,” prohibiting the use of wood-burning devices or fires unless they employ EPA-certified fireplace inserts, stoves, or pellet stoves that emit no visible smoke. This measure aims to reduce pollution generation during adverse weather conditions.

Emily Allshouse from the Sacramento Air Quality Management District emphasized the importance of these restrictions to halt additional pollution and allow for resumption of burning only when weather conditions improve.

The annual Check Before You Burn season spans from November 1 through February 28. Exemptions are available for households relying on fireplaces as a primary heat source, subject to annual application and approval.

Public Guidance on Air Quality Monitoring and Protection

How to Monitor Air Quality

Understanding local air quality conditions is critical for making informed decisions to protect public health. Rebecca Schmidt from UC Davis Public Health Sciences recommends minimizing outdoor exposure, using air purifiers indoors, and keeping windows closed during poor air quality episodes.

Trusted Air Quality Monitoring Tools

1. AirNow.gov
   • Operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
   • Features sensors across Northern California tracking smoke and ozone pollution.
   • Provides live updates via an interactive map and forecasts for specific areas.
   • Uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to classify air quality:
     • AQI ≤ 50: Good air quality with minimal pollutants.
     • AQI 101+: Unhealthy for sensitive groups including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory or immune conditions.
     • AQI > 300: Hazardous for all individuals in both short and long term.
   • Offers a free mobile app for real-time air quality monitoring on the go.
2. PurpleAir.com
   • Private company operating a global network of user-purchased air quality sensors.
   • Specializes in monitoring smoke pollution with real-time AQI readings available on an interactive map.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This air quality management initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By reducing air pollution exposure, especially among vulnerable populations, the program promotes healthier lives and well-being.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Implementing burn restrictions and monitoring air quality supports sustainable urban environments with cleaner air.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing emissions from wood-burning devices contributes to mitigating climate change impacts.

Public awareness and compliance with air quality advisories are essential for achieving these goals and ensuring environmental sustainability and health equity.

Additional Resources

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses air quality impacts on health, especially for sensitive groups such as those with lung ailments, the elderly, and young children.
   • Recommendations to limit outdoor activity and use air purifiers relate directly to health protection.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Management of air quality in Sacramento County through regulations like “No Burn Unless Exempt” supports sustainable urban living environments.
   • Use of monitoring tools and public information dissemination promotes safer community living.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Restrictions on wood burning to reduce pollution contribute to climate action by lowering emissions.
   • Monitoring and forecasting air quality help in adapting to and mitigating environmental hazards.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Exemptions for households relying on fireplaces as primary heat source highlight energy access issues.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Index (AQI)
   • The article references the AQI developed by the EPA as a key indicator of air pollution levels.
   • AQI values categorize air quality from “Good” (≤50) to “Unhealthy” (≥101) and “Hazardous” (>300), allowing measurement of health risk levels.
2. Number of Days with “No Burn” Restrictions
   • Stage 1 “No Burn Unless Exempt” days indicate regulatory actions to control pollution.
   • Tracking these days can measure enforcement and impact of pollution reduction policies.
3. Use of EPA-certified Wood-burning Devices
   • Compliance rates with EPA-certified devices can be an indicator of reduced emissions from residential burning.
4. Public Awareness and Use of Air Quality Monitoring Tools
   • Usage statistics of tools like AirNow.gov and PurpleAir.com imply community engagement and awareness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kcra.com