HEALTH CAUTION FOR BLOWING DUST

The Valley Air District has issued a health caution for blowing dust in the region, as the wind stirs up dirt, allergens and toxins the next two days. Spokeswoman Heather Heinks says it’s for what they call PM-10 particulate matter. “Be on the lookout for increased density of particulate matter, 10 microns or smaller, which essentially is saying the dust you can see versus the PM 2.5 in size that you can’t see.” Breathing the dust can trigger problems in people with respiratory and heart disease, but all groups are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. You can track conditions by going to valleyair.org, they also have an app.

Suzanne Grant