Air Quality Awareness Week Puts Focus on Riverside County Pollution

Air Quality Awareness Week is underway, and a new report from the American Lung Association is putting a spotlight on pollution levels here at home.

The annual State of the Air report paints a troubling picture for Riverside County, ranking it among the worst areas in the country for air pollution. The county placed second worst in the state for ozone pollution, with 14 California counties receiving failing grades.

The report found residents in Riverside County experienced 108 unhealthy days for ozone pollution, including 10 days that reached very unhealthy levels.

Experts say much of the ozone pollution comes from transportation sources, including cars, trucks, landscaping equipment, and other emissions. Fine particle pollution can also come from wildfire smoke and wood burning.

Air quality in the Coachella Valley presents a somewhat different picture. Officials with the South Coast Air Quality Management District say the valley is generally cleaner when it comes to ozone and fine particulate matter. However, dust remains a major concern—especially coarse particulate matter, known as PM10.

With strong winds expected through Tuesday, health experts warn blowing dust could worsen air conditions across the valley.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District says it is working with researchers at University of California, Riverside and Scripps College to better understand where the dust is coming from and how to reduce harmful particles during windy conditions.

Health officials recommend checking air quality and weather advisories before heading outside. People with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions should make sure they are taking prescribed medications and consider wearing a protective mask on especially dusty days.