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/v- 8-ig PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Ne 111 School District + ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH V SION Karen Furst, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer ., ;P.. ,4 X0vt� Mountains r uThi4,§ ,-,/�IR��ita�s�1�perature inversions to form in the fall and winter mon /4�,81�gerature inversion is where cool air falls to the valley floor and warm air, traveling over the mountains, traps the cool air below it. This inversion holds the pollutants close to the valley floor within the cool air mass. Several factors this year may be contributing to an increase in particulate matter in the air around the New Jerusalem area. There are currently two ongoing fires: the tire fire in Tracy and the compost fire in the Vernalis area in Stanislaus county. Also, during this time of year there are numerous agricultural fires throughout the area. Periodically, as the air inversion forms the wind patterns shift causing the smoke from these fires to come into the New Jerusalem area close to the ground. When there is smoke in the area, people should try to stay indoors as much as possible with the doors and windows closed. Anyone who is particularly sensitive to the smoke should take extra precautions. This may include anyone with asthma, or other chronic lung diseases, heart disease, the elderly, and young children. Healthy people who are exposed to smoke may also experience some symptoms such as watery eyes, or a sore scratchy throat. Anyone who experiences respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention. The staff at the New Jerusalem Elementary School are monitoring the situation around the school, and on smoky days the children are staying indoors for their physical education classes. San Joaquin County Public Health Services is also working with the school officials to monitor the smoke in the air. A Division of San Joaquin County Health Care Services