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1 <br /> PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES <br /> San Joaquin County <br /> '.G <br /> Administration <br /> P.O. Box 2009 <br /> (1601 E. Hazelton Ave) <br /> Stockton, CA 95201-2009 <br /> Mountains surround the San Joaquin Valley, which enables temperature inversions <br /> to form in the fall and winter months. A temperature inversion is where cool air <br /> falls to the valley floor and warm air, traveling over the mountains, traps the cool <br /> air below it. This inversion holds the pollutants close to the valley floor within the <br /> cool air mass. <br /> Several factors this year may be contributing to an increase in particulate matter in <br /> the air around the New Jerusalem area. There are currently two ongoing fires: the <br /> fire in Tracy and the compost fire in the Vernalis area in Stanislaus county. Also, <br /> during this time of year there are numerous agricultural fires throughout the area. <br /> Periodically, as the air inversion forms, the wind patterns shift causing the smoke <br /> from these fires to come into the New Jerusalem area close to the ground. <br /> When there is smoke in the area, people should try to stay indoors as much as <br /> possible with the doors and windows closed. Anyone who is particularly sensitive <br /> to the smoke should take extra precautions. This may include anyone with asthma, <br /> or other chronic lung diseases, heart disease, the elderly, and young children_ <br /> Healthy people who are exposed to smoke may also experience some symptoms <br /> such as watery eyes, or a sore scratchy throat. Anyone who experiences respiratory <br /> symptoms should seek medical attention. <br /> The staff at the New Jerusalem Elementary School are monitoring the situation <br /> around the school, and on smoky days the children are staying indoors for their <br /> physical education classes. San Joaquin County Public Health Services is also <br /> working with the school officials to monitor the smoke in the air. <br />