The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Program is issuing a Health Alert due to blowing dust

Health Alert

The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Program is issuing a Health Alert due to blowing dust. Those with respiratory conditions in the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County should limit outdoor activity.

Effective: 9:00 PM on 04/20/2021
Expires: 6:00 AM on 04/21/2021

People who are at higher risk for respiratory issues from blowing dust are also more susceptible to infection and severe health consequences from COVID-19. Exposure to blowing dust can aggravate severity of COVID-19 symptoms, and infection with COVID-19 can increase health impacts from dust exposure. The risk of COVID-19 transmission remains very high, and people who are vulnerable should remain at home whenever possible, especially when blowing dust is present.

About Health Alerts

• Health Alerts are issued by the Air Quality Program if conditions worsen to the point that individuals with respiratory conditions may be adversely impacted by outdoor activity.
• Health Alerts are typically issued because of elevated levels of dust or smoke. Both dust and smoke are types of particulate matter.
• People who are sensitive to particulate matter, such as those with asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory and heart diseases, are encouraged to limit outdoor activity.
• Children and older adults may also be affected by particulate pollution.

Steps that you can take during Health Alerts

• Limit your time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
• Schools and senior citizen facilities may want to provide indoor activities to minimize exposure to elevated outdoor particulate levels.
• Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode.
• If symptoms of heart or lung disease occur, (including shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations or unusual fatigue) contact your health care provider.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their health management plan from their health care provider.
• Asthmatic individuals should follow a prescribed asthma management plan.