Sonoma County suffering worst air quality in years

<p>Today’s air quality index reached 112 in Sonoma County, signaling a warning to children and elderly adults to stay inside and avoid the harmful pollutants.</p><p>The air “thermometer” measures pollution particulates based on a 0 to 500 scale, with levels below 100 classified as generally safe for the public, based on federal air quality standards. </p><p>“It’s really the worst air quality we’ve had in several years,” Jenny Bard, assistant director of communication and advocacy for the American Lung Association of California, said.</p><p> “That’s causing a lot of people to have a lot of problems from air pollution who have not usually experienced anything like this.”</p><p>The air index increased to unhealthy levels because of the particulate matter floating into Sonoma County from the rash of wildfires in Mendocino and Lake counties. </p><p>Ash and smoke matter are particularly small and harmful for individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, asthma and chronic lung disease. </p><p>The symptoms stemming from the smoke pollution include itchy throats and eyes, intense coughing and shortness of breath. </p><p>The four-day air quality forecast for North Bay counties is expected to be moderate, affecting highly sensitive individuals.</p><p>Forecasts measuring air quality in California is available at http://www.sparetheair.org/about/five_day.htm.</p>