The San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is advising the public of deteriorating air quality in the Oceano Dunes/Nipomo Mesa area due to blowing dust and sand on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Blowing sand and dust is forecasted to occur from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the dust forecasted to peak from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Very sensitive individuals such as infants, as well as children and adults with existing respiratory or heart conditions, may experience adverse health effects during blowing dust periods.
SLO County APCD recommends that the public reschedule outdoor activities to occur when there is no visible dust. If blowing dust and sand is visible in the air, SLO County APCD recommends all adults and children avoid strenuous outdoor activity, remain indoors as much as possible, and set any heating/air conditioning/ventilation systems to recirculation. The public is advised to consult their doctor if they are experiencing health problems in an area with blowing dust and sand.
SLO County APCD will continue to closely monitor air pollution levels throughout our region, as forecasts can change. Visit the APCD website slocleanair.org/air-quality/air-forecasting-map.php to see current air quality conditions, forecasts for SLO County and to see if you are in the impacted zone for blowing dust. Sign up to receive the daily air quality forecast via email by visiting slocleanair.org/air-quality/forecasting.php.
