* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to
harmful levels of fine particle pollution.

* WHERE...Orange County and the Inland Empire. Levels of particle
pollution can vary by time and location depending on emissions and
local weather conditions.

* WHEN...5 PM July 4th through 11:59 PM July 5th.

* IMPACTS...Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause
serious health problems such as heart attacks, bronchitis, asthma
attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but
sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older
adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot
of time outdoors are at greater risk.

To protect your health, check air quality levels and act as needed:

* When Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are "Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups" (orange), sensitive groups as specified above should
limit
extended or intense outdoor activity.
* When AQI is "Unhealthy" (red), everyone may experience health
impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors.
* When AQI is "Very Unhealthy" (purple), sensitive groups should
avoid
all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should avoid
extended
or intense outdoor activity.
* When AQI is "Hazardous" (maroon), everyone should avoid all
outdoor
physical activity.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor:

* Keep windows and doors closed
* Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
* Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in
outside
air if you have other methods to stay cool
* Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles,
incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment

To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the South
Coast Air Quality Management District website at aqmd.gov or
download the mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp. Additional
details for this air quality alert may be available at
www.aqmd.gov/advisory.

For the latest air quality forecasts and information, visit the
website at aqmd.gov.