Health & Medicine

Air quality alert issued for dust and sand plume blowing over the Nipomo Mesa

The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District operates a series of air quality monitors, including this one on the Nipomo Mesa near the Phillips 66 oil refinery complex.
The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District operates a series of air quality monitors, including this one on the Nipomo Mesa near the Phillips 66 oil refinery complex. dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

People with health sensitivities near the Oceano Dunes and Nipomo Mesa area may be impacted by blowing sand and dust on Tuesday, said the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District in a news release.

The sand and dust will be in the air from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with peak air contamination occurring between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the release.

Infants, children and adults with respiratory challenges or cardiovascular issues may experience negative health impacts during this period, the Air Pollution Control District said in the release.

Outdoor activities should be rescheduled anywhere the dust is visible, according to the release. People should stay indoors, and, if they are able, set any air conditioner or ventilation system to recirculate indoor air.

You can monitor the air quality in your region by looking at the district website at slocleanair.org/air-quality/air-forecasting-map.php and can sign up to receive air quality forecast updates by email.

Sara Kassabian
The Tribune
Sara Kassabian is a former journalist for The Tribune.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER