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Smoke, ozone advisory extended through weekend due to wildfire smoke

Posted at 3:10 PM, Aug 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-21 18:14:12-04

The Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is extending its current advisory to include Aug. 22 and Aug. 23 for elevated levels of smoke and ozone due to the regional wildfires throughout the southwest U.S. DES Division of Air Quality.

Officials say smoke is made of small dust particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation.

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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, people who may be most sensitive to elevated levels of particulates and ozone include individuals with respiratory problems, cardiac disease, young children or senior citizens. Consult your physician if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to air quality conditions.

Smoke is made of small particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation. Exposure to ozone can induce coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath even in healthy people. A seasonal ozone advisory is currently in effect.

Here are some tips below:

- Stay indoors when you smell or see smoke.

- Limit outdoor activity and exertion when ozone levels are elevated – exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of particulates you may inhale.

- Keep windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner inside your house and car. Air conditioning filters out smoke and particles.

- Change your indoor air filters if they are dirty.

To stay up to date and check air quality status in Clark County, click here.