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Southwestern WildfiresLANL's air monitoring and surveillance system performs continuous particulate matter measurements in Los Alamos and White Rock. Analysis of elevated measurements caused by wildfires will be posted below as time and resources permit. Smoke IrritationWhat You Can Do About Dust and Smoke IrritationDust and smoke may irritate healthy people's eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and might cause more serious problems in sensitive populations. Individuals will not experience the same effects from similar concentrations. In general, the long-term risk from short-term exposures to dust and smoke is low. Certain sensitive populations are susceptible to more serious symptoms. These populations include the elderly, children, smokers, or individuals with asthma, other respiratory illnesses, or cardiovascular disease. If you have symptoms of heart or lung disease, including shortness breath, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations or unusual fatigue, contact your health care provider. If you have heart or lung diseases, make sure you have adequate medication on hand. If you have asthma, be sure to follow your asthma management plan. To reduce your exposure to the smoke:
Historical Data2002 Wildfire DataJemez Fires Produce High Particulate Measurements Short-term air concentrations exceeded 50 ug/m3 with the majority of the particles being less than 2.5 um in diameter. The EPA standard for 24 hours is 65 ug/m3. Normal concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 um are 5-10 um/m3. (Elevated PM-10 concentrations on 8/26 were due to re-suspended soils produced by local high winds.) For comparison, short-term PM-10 concentrations as high as 1200 ug/m3 were measured in close proximity to the Cerro Grande fire. Arizona Fires Produce High Particulate Measurements During the fire, short-term air concentrations exceeded 90 ug/m3 with the majority of the particles being less than 2.5 um in diameter. The EPA standard for 24 hours is 65 ug/m3. Normal concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 um are 5-10 um/m3. (Elevated PM-10 concentrations on 6/19 & 6/20 were due to re-suspended soils produced by local high winds.) For comparison, short-term PM-10 concentrations as high as 1200 ug/m3 were measured in close proximity to the Cerro Grande fire. Cerro Grande Fire2000 Cerro Grande Fire![]() |
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