Air Quality Update for September 9

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Announced: September 9, 2020, 8 a.m.

To: Campus Community
From: Environmental Health & Safety

The large growth of the Bear Fire yesterday, which is burning east of Oroville, has created a large plume of smoke and ash. Large ash particles are falling in Chico and the surrounding area, but this fire does not pose any threat to Chico or the campus. Employees are reminded they can reach out to Empathia (Employee Assistance Program) if they feel the need. Students can reach out to the WellCat Health Center if they need assistance.  

The Butte County Air Quality Management District and AirNow have listed today’s forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) as “Unhealthy.” This level carries the advisory that “people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.” 

The University has applied the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory to campus operations as follows:  

If the AQI is 151 – 200 (unhealthy), EVERYONE must be concerned. Campus remains open. Campus events and activities scheduled outdoors that involve prolonged or heavy exertion will be rescheduled to a time when the air quality is better. Outdoor work and prolonged or heavy exertion should be limited where practicable. Employees who work outdoors for more than one hour should be reassigned or provided N95 masks for voluntary use. Indoor work and/or activities will continue as scheduled.  

While on campus, the best air quality is inside buildings due to air filtration. All individuals should limit their time outdoors, and if outdoors choose less strenuous activities. 

There have been questions about why the AQI is relatively low when there is ash falling. The large particles of ash are not considered respirable (except in very large volumes) and are filtered naturally by your body. The AQI is based on the very small particles that can evade your body’s ability to filter them out of the air. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will continue monitoring the AQI.  Updated guidance will be sent accordingly. For additional information about air quality, please visit the Environmental Health & Safety website. You can also monitor current quality conditions at AirNow.    

If you have any questions, please contact you manager or EHS Director Marvin Pratt at 530-898-5126.