STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS (SPIG)
We are now accepting applications for our two-year SPIG cycle. Projects should focus on addressing outdoor environments in communities disproportionately burdened by poor air quality. For more information, about these grants, please click here.
California Wildfires
The California Department of Public Health has created a resource for local health departments called, Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials. This version (updated July 08) includes information on smoke behavior, respiratory protection, use of air cleaners and air conditioning, and a thorough explanation of how to align public health interventions with estimated or measured levels of particles.
Air quality in many communities across California is poor due to the current wildfires. People with asthma and other lung diseases are especially sensitive to the wildfire smoke and should take precautions to limit their exposure to the smoky air. The California Department of Public Health has created a factsheet, "Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke." This fact sheet was developed for the general public to give guidance on how to choose and correctly use N95 or P100 particulate respirators. Click here to learn about air quality in your area and other ways you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
These additional resources may also be helpful.
California Air Quality Management District directory
http://www.arb.ca.gov/capcoa/roster.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Factsheet on Wildfire Health Effects
Emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php
Outdoor Air Quality and Asthma - general info
Outdoor air pollutants can contribute to the causation of asthma or exacerbate pre-existing asthma. The sources of these exposures include diesel exhaust related to "good movement" industries, vehicle emissions, agricultural and forestry practices that result in dust, particulates and pesticides, and emissions from burning fossil fuels. California Breathing supports several pollution reduction and education initiatives including the Ditching Dirty Diesel Collaborative in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Governor's Breathe Easy Campaign, a consumer education initiative. Our program also supports policies and practices that reduce exposure to outdoor air pollutants at schools and homes by influencing leaders in the built environment arena. We are epecially concerned with the disproportionate exposure to outdoor air pollutants in lower income communities. Eliminating these disparities is one of our major goals.
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