Bakersfield California: Air Quality Survival Tips

Randy Clare

Bakersfield is now the top spot for pollution all year in the US, says the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report. With temperatures hitting almost 110 degrees, the air quality here is a big risk to our lungs.

The San Joaquin Valley has cut air pollution by 50 percent since the 1990s. Yet, it still has too many high ozone days and particle levels every year since 2000. This is due to its big oil and warehouse areas.

Bad air quality can cause breathing problems like asthma, COPD, and even lung cancer. With over 40 percent of Americans living in polluted areas, it’s key to know how to handle smog and pollution.

Key Takeaways

Bakersfield ranks highest for year-round pollution in the US
San Joaquin Valley has been out of compliance with EPA standards for 25 years
Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues like asthma and COPD
Over 40% of the US population lives in areas with unhealthy particle pollution or ozone levels
Adopting air quality survival tips is essential for managing environmental hazards and smog exposure

Understanding Air Pollution in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, has struggled with air pollution for years. It has not met EPA standards for 25 years, making it one of the most polluted places in the US. The American Lung Association says air quality hit a record high in 2018-2020. Over 40 percent of Americans live where air quality is unhealthy due to particulate matter or ozone pollution. Bakersfield is among the top cities for pollution all year.

Sources of Air Pollution

The main causes of air pollution in Bakersfield are:

Vehicle emissions
Agricultural activities
Industrial processes
Wildfires

Wildfire smoke is a big problem because of the tiny particles it releases, known as PM2.5. These particles can go deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream. When the sun heats up emissions, it creates ozone pollution.

Health Effects of Poor Air Quality

Poor air quality can cause many health issues, from mild irritation to serious diseases. It can make heart and lung diseases worse, including asthma. In extreme cases, it can lead to early death. Common health problems include:

Respiratory issues, like coughing and trouble breathing
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes
Worsening of conditions like asthma and COPD
Higher risk of lung cancer

From 1970 to 2020, pollution emissions dropped by 78 percent. This cut down on asthma attacks by about 2 million premature deaths.

Even with cleaner vehicles and stricter emissions rules, some areas in California and the west still get bad grades for air quality. The San Joaquin Valley has spent $4.2 billion on clean air projects since 1992, cutting emissions by at least 212,000 tons. Yet, it might face EPA penalties for not meeting pollution standards.

Monitoring Air Quality

It’s important to keep an eye on air quality to protect your health, especially in places like Bakersfield with poor air. By tracking air quality, you can decide when to stay inside or be extra careful outside. Luckily, there are many tools to help you stay updated on air quality in your area.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a key tool for sharing daily air pollution levels and health risks. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers meaning more health risks. The index has six color-coded levels, each showing a different health risk:

Green (0-50): Air quality is good, and pollution poses little risk.
Yellow (51-100): Air is okay, but some pollutants might affect sensitive people.
Orange (101-150): Some people might feel health effects, but most won’t.
Red (151-200): More people could feel health effects, and sensitive groups are at risk.
Purple (201-300): Everyone is at risk of health effects.
Maroon (301-500): Everyone is likely to feel the effects of poor air quality.

Air Quality Apps and Websites

Many apps and websites offer real-time air quality updates, making it easy to know the current conditions. AirNow, run by the Environmental Protection Agency, is a top choice. It gives the latest pollution data and has a fire and smoke map that tracks smoke, alerting you when air quality is bad.

The California Air Resources Board also has a huge air quality monitoring network, with over 250 sites across the state. This network gives detailed data on pollution levels, available through various apps and websites.

App/Website	Features
AirNow	Real-time AQI data, fire and smoke map, air quality alerts
BreezoMeter	Hyperlocal air quality data, personalized health recommendations
Plume Labs Air Report	Real-time AQI data, air quality forecasts, personalized health tips

Using these air quality monitoring tools helps you stay ahead of the game. This way, you can protect your health during bad air quality times in Bakersfield.

Staying Indoors During Poor Air Quality Days

When air quality is bad, staying inside with closed windows and doors is key to staying healthy. This is crucial during wildfires because smoke has tiny particles called PM2.5. These particles can cause health problems like inflammation, heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and breathing issues. Research shows wildfire smoke is much more dangerous than other pollution because of these tiny particles.

Creating a Clean Air Space at Home

To keep the air clean at home, make a space that’s free from pollutants. Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter to catch tiny particles. Also, set your central air to recirculate mode to keep outdoor air out. And, avoid things like smoking, burning candles, or using gas stoves.

Here are tips for a cleaner home air:

Close all windows and doors to keep outdoor air out
Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter in your main living area
Set your central air to recirculate mode
Avoid activities that increase pollution, like smoking or burning candles
Use air-cleaning plants as a way to purify the air

Using Air Purifiers and Filters

Air purifiers and filters can make your home’s air cleaner by removing pollutants. Using high-efficiency filters in your central air system can cut down on indoor particles. It’s also important to clean or replace these filters regularly to keep the air fresh.

Filter Type	MERV Rating	Particle Size Removed
Fiberglass	1-4	> 10 microns
Pleated	5-13	3-10 microns
High-efficiency	14-16	1-3 microns
HEPA	17-20

Filters with a minimum MERV rating of 8 are recommended for improving indoor air quality, while HEPA filters offer the highest level of protection by capturing even the smallest particles.

By staying indoors, making a clean air space, and using air purifiers and filters, you can greatly lower your exposure to harmful pollutants. This helps protect your health during bad air quality days.

Protecting Yourself Outdoors

When air quality hits hazardous levels, with an AQI over 300, it’s key to protect your health outside. High-risk groups like kids, older folks, and those with heart or lung issues need to be extra careful. Signs like coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and trouble breathing could mean the air quality is bad.

Choosing the Right Mask

On days with high AQI, use well-fitted N95 respirators or KN95 masks to protect against pollution. N95 respirators, certified by NIOSH, fit snugly and filter well. KN95 masks, to an international standard, also work well but might not fit as tightly as N95s.

Make sure your mask fits right, covering your nose and mouth. Don’t pick masks with valves since they let air out without filtering it. Change your mask if it gets dirty, damaged, or hard to breathe through.

Limiting Outdoor Activities

During bad air quality, cut back on outdoor exercise and activities, especially for sensitive groups. Here are some tips:

Check air pollution forecasts daily to see when the air is bad in your area. Colors like orange, red, purple, and maroon mean high AQI levels.
Reduce your time outside and the intensity of your activities on high AQI days.
If you’re outside a lot in smoky areas, wear a well-fitted N95 respirator or KN95 mask.
Stay indoors on days with very bad air quality.

By picking the right mask and staying indoors when air quality is poor, you can lower your exposure to harmful pollutants. This helps keep your lungs healthy.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to stay informed, watch AQI levels, and act when needed.

Air Quality Survival Tips

When air quality gets bad, it’s key to protect your health. Follow these simple tips to cut down on harmful pollutants and lower the risk of breathing problems.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is vital when the air is poor. It helps your body get rid of toxins and keeps your lungs working right. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Adding drinks with electrolytes can help replace lost minerals.

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Avoid hard physical work when the air quality is low. Doing intense activities can make you breathe faster and take in more pollutants. If you have to exercise, choose easy activities indoors like yoga or stretching.

Keep Windows and Doors Closed

Keep your home or office sealed to keep out outdoor smoke and pollutants. Use air purifiers or filters for clean air inside. Open windows only when air quality is good, usually early morning or late evening.

Here are more tips based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels:

AQI Level	Recommendations
Good (0-50)	Enjoy outdoor activities as usual.
Moderate (51-100)	Sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)	Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor activities and exertion.
Unhealthy (151-200)	Everyone should limit outdoor exertion and sensitive groups should avoid it altogether.
Very Unhealthy (201-300)	Everyone should avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.
Hazardous (300+)	Everyone should remain indoors and follow emergency alerts for evacuation instructions if necessary.

Stay updated on air quality and use these tips to protect your health in Bakersfield. Remember to drink water, avoid hard work, and keep your home well-ventilated. This will help reduce your exposure to pollutants and allergens.

Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality

As wildfires grow, Bakersfield folks need to know the dangers of wildfire smoke. This smoke has many harmful chemicals and tiny particles. These can hurt your lungs.

Being around wildfire smoke can make your eyes burn, your nose run, and make breathing hard. It can cause serious lung diseases. These tiny particles can also make your whole body inflamed. On bad smoke days, more people go to the hospital, and some might die early because of the smoke.

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

Some people are more at risk from wildfire smoke, like:

People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes
Pregnant women
Infants and young kids
Older adults
People who work outside

Being exposed to smoke can make you feel tired, have a sore throat, cough, and hurt your head. Remember, if you’re breathing hard, you’re taking in more smoke. This is true even when you’re just sitting still.

Evacuation Smoke Safety

If you have to leave because of a wildfire, be careful to avoid smoke. Here’s how to stay safe:

Stay inside your car with the windows closed and use the air conditioning.
Wear a N95 mask to keep out harmful particles.
If you can’t stay in a clean place at home, look for clean air shelters. These are places like recreation centers, libraries, or school gyms with good air filters.

Knowing the dangers of wildfire smoke and how to stay safe can help keep you and your family safe this wildfire season.

Long-Term Solutions for Improving Air Quality

Improving air quality in Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley needs a plan that covers many areas. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has made big steps, adopting over 650 air quality rules since 1992. These rules have cut emissions by at least 212,000 tons.

Yet, we still need to cut emissions more to meet air quality standards. Now, vehicles are the main source of emissions, making them a key focus for clean energy and rules.

Reducing Emissions from Industries

Industries are a big part of air pollution in Bakersfield and nearby. Tighter rules for industries can help lower harmful emissions. This can be done by using cleaner tech, low-emission fuels, and better emissions control.

Using clean energy like solar and wind can also cut down on emissions from power generation. Encouraging industries to go for clean energy can speed up a shift to a greener economy.

Promoting Clean Transportation

The way we travel is a big source of pollution in Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley. Clean transport options can cut down vehicle emissions and make the air cleaner. Here are some ways to do this:

Offering incentives for electric vehicles, growing charging spots, and teaching people about EVs.
Putting money into public transit to make it better, more reliable, and easy to get to, so people use it more.
Building safe paths for walkers and bikers to encourage using their feet or bikes.
Supporting working from home and flexible schedules to cut down on daily driving.

Clean Transportation Initiative	Potential Emissions Reduction
Electric Vehicle Adoption	30-40%
Improved Public Transit	15-25%
Active Transportation Infrastructure	5-10%
Telecommuting and Flexible Work	10-20%

By 2035, California plans to make sure 100% of new cars and trucks sold are zero-emission vehicles. This will greatly reduce emissions from transport and make the air cleaner.

Improving air quality in Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley takes time and effort from many groups. By setting rules, promoting clean energy, and supporting clean transport, we can aim for cleaner air and better health for everyone.

Supporting Air Quality Initiatives

Improving air quality in Bakersfield needs everyone’s help. By advocating and supporting air quality laws, we can make a big difference. It’s important for the community to come together to fight pollution and protect our health.

Assembly Bill 2550, brought forward by California Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, is a great example. This bill helps the California Air Resources Board check why air quality plans don’t work well. It also lets community groups help make new plans to fight pollution. By supporting this, Bakersfield folks can help make policies that improve our health.

“Improving air quality is a collaborative effort that requires the support and involvement of the entire community. By advocating for stronger regulations and backing legislative initiatives, we can create a healthier future for Bakersfield and its residents.” – Joaquin Arambula, California Assemblymember

There are many ways to help with advocacy:

Going to public meetings and sharing air quality concerns
Writing to elected officials to support air quality laws
Joining groups that fight for the environment and taking part in their efforts
Telling friends, family, and neighbors why clean air is important

Air Quality Initiative	Impact
Assembly Bill 2550	Empowers the California Air Resources Board to examine failures in local air quality plans and engage community groups in developing new strategies
Clean Air Act	Has saved hundreds of thousands of lives by reducing air pollution levels
National Ambient Air-Quality Standards	Set by the EPA to protect people and the environment from harmful pollutants like sulfur oxides and particulate matter

Supporting air quality efforts and laws in Bakersfield helps make a healthier future for us and our kids. By getting involved and speaking up, we can make sure everyone has clean air to breathe. Together, we can make a big difference.

Coping with Respiratory Issues

People with asthma and COPD are at higher risk from bad air quality. Working closely with doctors is key to managing these conditions well. This helps keep the lungs healthy.

Asthma Management

Managing asthma means finding and avoiding things that make symptoms worse. Things like smoke, pollutants, and allergens can trigger asthma. In Spain, studies show that air pollution can make allergens worse.

Following a plan set by a doctor can help prevent asthma attacks. This plan helps keep breathing easy.

COPD and Air Pollution

COPD is a big health issue, especially in Spain. The Spanish Guidelines for COPD in 2017 talk about the need for medicine to control the disease. But, COPD patients also need to avoid air pollutants.

This means checking air quality, staying inside when it’s bad, and using air filters at home. These steps help manage COPD and lower the risk of getting worse from bad air.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, underscoring the global scale of the air pollution problem.

Bad air quality also affects mental health. A study found a link between air pollution and more anxiety and depression in adults. This shows how bad air quality can harm our mental health too.

By focusing on medical care, avoiding triggers, and reducing pollutant exposure, people with respiratory issues can handle poor air quality better. This is important in places like Bakersfield.

Educating Others About Air Quality

It’s vital to spread the word about air quality to spark change and boost health in our areas. We can do this through workshops and educational events. These programs help people grasp the risks of air pollution and how to protect themselves and their families. By sharing info on air quality resources like AirNow and local air district sites, we empower folks to make informed choices for their health.

Teaching about air quality matters to everyone, from kids to adults. TeachEngineering shows how air quality fits into over 100,000 K-12 STEM standards. Schools swapping diesel buses for zero-emission ones cut down on harmful emissions for students. Teaching the next gen about clean air helps build a lasting environmental awareness.

Talking to policymakers is key to spreading air quality awareness. We must stress the need for clean air efforts to push for policies that cut pollution. Laws like the Clean Air Act and California’s bill on truck emissions show how laws can help fight pollution. We can back these efforts by keeping up with air quality news, joining public talks, and pushing for change at home.

Teaching others about air quality is a team effort involving people, groups, and government. By working together, we can improve our health and future. Checking air pollution updates through local news and sites like airnow.gov helps us stay informed and protect our health. Let’s unite to fight air pollution and ensure clean air for all.

FAQ

What makes Bakersfield’s air quality so poor?

Bakersfield’s air quality suffers from oil production, farming, and warehouse activities. These have made the area out of EPA standards for 25 years.

What are the main pollutants of concern in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield worries about particulate matter (PM) and ozone. PM2.5 is tiny and can deeply affect lungs. Ozone forms when emissions react in heat and sunlight.

How can I monitor air quality in Bakersfield?

Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) to track pollution levels and health risks. AirNow offers updates and a fire map using sensors to track smoke.

What can I do to protect myself indoors during poor air quality days?

Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter and set your AC to recirculate. Avoid activities that increase pollution indoors.

How can I protect myself outdoors during poor air quality days?

Avoid outdoor activities when air quality is bad. If you must be outside, wear a NIOSH-certified N95 or KN95 mask.

What are some general tips for coping with poor air quality?

Stay hydrated, avoid hard work outside, and keep doors and windows closed to keep pollutants out.

What are the health risks associated with wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke has harmful pollutants that can cause health issues. When evacuating, stay in your car with windows closed and use the air conditioning.

What can be done to improve air quality in Bakersfield in the long term?

We need to cut emissions from various sources, especially from cars and trucks. Using electric vehicles and better public transport can help.

How can I support air quality initiatives in Bakersfield?

Support laws like Assembly Bill 2550 by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula to improve air quality and health.

What should people with existing respiratory conditions do to manage their health during poor air quality events?

If you have asthma or COPD, work with your doctor to manage your condition. Avoid smoke and follow your treatment plan. Keep an eye on air quality and use air filters.