Air Quality Warning for Carson City, Gardnerville, and surrounding areas

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and the Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources issue:

Air Quality Warning for Carson City, Gardnerville, and surrounding areas

CARSON CITY, Nev. – According to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), air quality monitors in Carson City and Gardnerville are reporting levels of particulate matter in the unhealthy to hazardous range due to smoke from the wildfires in California. According to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should move activities indoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. 

Chief Medical Officer for Nevada Dr. Ihsan Azzam states, "Particulate matter from massive fires continue to pollute our air and can irritate eyes, skin, throat and lungs, causing chest tightening and pain, stinging eyes, headaches and sore throats, and can worsen sinus and ear infections. The very young and very old, pregnant women, and those with heart and lung conditions, especially asthma and COPD patients, are most susceptible to side effects from wildfire smoke. It is strongly recommended for Nevada residents to avoid heavy activity and monitor the air quality index before spending extended periods outdoors. Please stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed to limit your home's exposure to smoke. Additionally, please avoid heat exposure and consume adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration."

“We monitor air quality conditions on an hourly basis in Carson City and Gardnerville, and will continue to report that information for the public to view at AirNow.gov. It is important for the public to be informed and take recommended steps to protect their health,” said Jeffrey Kinder, Deputy Administrator for the Air Programs at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Please note that changes in air quality from wildfire smoke can occur rapidly.  Local air quality conditions can be accessed at AirNow.gov.