Air Quality In The Mother Lode Less Than Desirable

Sonora, CA — With several fires burning in Yosemite National Park, Mother Lode residents are unfortunately waking up to smoky skies and irritated eyes.

Tuolumne County Health Officer, Todd Stolp says visibility has a lot to do with health when it comes to particulate matter.

The point at which air becomes unhealthy for sensitive groups happens when visibility drops to below three to five miles.

Stolp says that if residents can see the smoke, chances are some particulate matter may be within breathing distance.

He advises people with respiratory problems to remain indoors due to very fine particles that could be harmful to them.

Stolp says that drinking water will help people´s bodies cope better with the air quality issues.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh