Smoke Advisory
June 2, 2009

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:	Beth Gorman (Pima County Environmental Quality) (520) 243-7446
	Bonnie Light (American Lung Association of Arizona) (520) 323-1812

Tucson, Arizona (June 2, 2009) The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality and the American Lung Association of Arizona are issuing a smoke advisory for the area near the Melendrez Pass fire in the Santa Rita Mountains. People living in this area who are sensitive to smoke are urged to take appropriate precautions, if they smell smoke.

Individuals with respiratory or heart disease and the elderly may experience respiratory symptoms. If individuals are sensitive to particulate pollution, they may want to reduce their exposure to outside air. Smoke levels tend to be higher in the early morning hours due to temperature inversions. National Weather Service reports indicate that current weather conditions may allow smoke from the fire to pool in some areas. This advisory will be in effect while current conditions persist.

Typical symptoms related to short-term exposure to smoke may include itchy eyes, coughing, and upper airway irritation. Other potential health effects may include headache, dizziness, and nausea.

People with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other respiratory problems may want to:

• avoid exposure to smoke;
• reduce level of exertion when in smoky areas (move more slowly so breathing remains shallow);
• close doors and windows to keep smoke out of the house; and
• use air conditioning rather than evaporative coolers, if available.

Air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website www.airinfonow.org or by calling the PDEQ hotline at (520) 882-4AIR.

For more information on lung health issues, contact the ALAA at (520) 323-1812 or www.lungaz.org.

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