July 3, 2024. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an air quality advisory due to the combination of Northern California wildfire smoke, high temperatures, and local area sources through Independence Day and the weekend.  The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the Reno-Sparks area is expected to be “Moderate” to “Unhealthy” at times today and into the weekend.

An AQI in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range has the potential to impact older adults, children, people with heart/lung disease, and active adults while outdoors.  Residents identified in this these sectors of the population should consider reducing exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time active outdoors.

Fortunately, real-time air quality can be found at AirNow.gov and real-time alerts on ground-level ozone and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels  in Washoe County at EnviroFlash. These air quality notifications alert residents of unhealthy air quality, even when AQMD staff may be unable to provide immediate alerts.

During wildfire smoke impacts, AQMD advises everyone to Be Smoke Smart.

• Check AirNow’s Fire & Smoke Map for the latest PM2.5 AQI before doing outdoor activities.
• Reduce outdoor activity and stay indoors when it is smoky.
• Keep indoor air clean. Do not vacuum, light candles, fry food or smoke.

Sign Up for NNPH Air Quality Email Updates >>

For more information the NNPH’s Air Quality Management Division, visit OurCleanAir.com.

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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.