Breaking: Windy weather prompts ABQ dust alert

The city of Albuquerque just issued a dust alert through 10 tonight, encouraging people with asthma or similar conditions to stay indoors.

The full notice is posted below.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES

FUGITIVE DUST/HIGH WIND NOTICE

Issue time: Monday, April 8, 2013 at 3:30 PM

The Environmental Health Department’s Air Quality Division is issuing a notice due to high winds that may cause elevated levels of particulate matter. This notice is in effect for the following period:

Monday, April 8, 2013 at 3:30 PM

To

Monday, April 8, 2013 at 10:00 PM

Blowing dust contributes to particulate pollution. People who are sensitive to blowing dust, 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. Schools and senior citizen facilities may want to provide indoor activities to minimize exposure to elevated outdoor particulate levels.

During blowing dust events, the following actions are recommended, especially for individuals sensitive to particulate pollution:

• Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode.
• Limit your time spent outdoors.
• 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.
• Avoid outdoor exercise.