Government » General Government Departments » Office of Emergency Services

Poor Air Quality

 Air Monitoring

Air Quality Now, check the air quality where you live with Air Now displays individual air monitoring sites and the hourly average particulate matter (PM) reading for each monitor.

The Yolo-Solano AQMD monitors ambient air quality to protect public health and comply with federal and state requirements. The monitoring network provides real-time data that allows the District to forecast air quality and issues advisories to the public as needed. The monitoring network also allows the District to show progress toward air quality standards.

This page provides AQ forecasts based on the US Forest Service AirFire model, not current air monitoring readings.   It also provides site-by-site rolling 24-hour AQ histories that are informative.

Air Quality Resources

Air Resources Board

Air Quality Index Descriptions 

In the event of poor air quality, individuals should take the following actions:

  • Everyone should avoid outdoor activities even if you are healthy.
  • Children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions should be particularly careful to avoid exposure.
  • Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible.
  • Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan.
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms you believe to be caused by poor air quality.
  • Those with heart disease should especially limit their exposure since particulate matter (PM)* can cause heart attacks.
    * Fine particles of solid matter or liquid droplets from smoke, dust and fly ash.

Who is most affected by poor air quality
Most healthy adults will recover quickly from exposures and will not suffer long-term consequences. However, certain sensitive populations may experience more severe short-term and chronic symptoms resulting from poor air quality. These include:

  • Individuals with respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
  • Individuals with cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
  • The elderly
  • Children
  • Pregnant women
  • People who smoke