A look at the Central Valley’s air quality after the 4th of July pollution

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – As the firecrackers lit up the sky this Fourth of July weekend, they also left behind pollution in the Central Valley.

Currently, most of the Valley’s air quality stands at a level 2, which is moderate. But that was a different story on Friday. Some parts of the Valley were at a level 5, which is the worst.

But now that the fireworks are behind us, we have other factors to worry about.

“We have an air quality issue year-round,” said Allergy Institute Dr. A.M. Aminian, M.D.

Pollution, wildfire smoke, and excessive heat all play a negative role in the valley’s air quality.

“If you have a problem, stay home, use your medications, see your doctor, and hydrate yourself,” Dr. Aminian explained. 

But poor air quality can impact everyone, not just those with pre-existing health conditions or allergies.

“Feel some itching of your eyes, you feel a little bit funny breathing. You know, you can get enough air inside your lungs. You may have a little nasal congestion or feels like dry, but at the same time congested,” Aminian added.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District suggests using an air purifier, closing your windows, changing your HVAC filter, and even replacing the cabin filter in your car. These steps are especially crucial if a wildfire is near.

Over on the Central Coast, the Madre Fire is burning tens of thousands of acres in San Luis Obispo County.

“When there is any fire that size near the valley, we must be vigilant. Little bit of movement in the meteorology, and that plume could go from out over the ocean, right back over the valley and hang out with us,” warned Heather Heinks, Outreach & Communications Manager at the Valley Air District.

While we hope that the plume doesn’t make its way to the valley. Heat is something that we can bank on.

“When the air pollution is so high and the heat is high, the worst time of the day is between 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” Aminian said. 

The Environmental Protection Agency offers a free app called AirNow, which shows real-time air quality based on your location. Fresno is a level 3, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. It also predicts the air quality for the next day. Fresno again shows a level 3.