LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Air Quality Management District said smoke from the Mendocino Complex has continued to cause smoke impacts hazardous to residents.

Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart issued another air quality alert due to the complex, which has resulted in “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” air quality.

Gearhart said smoke levels have exceeded the air quality index maximum range.

With particulate levels this high, Gearhart said everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves from exposure.

If you cannot leave the smoky area, good ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke include staying indoors and reducing physical activity, he said.

Wearing an air purifying respirator can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke, Gearhart said. Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 or P100 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing some of the harmful particulate matter, but they also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended as a general protective measure.

Dust masks are not protective against the ultra fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke, Gearhart said.

Gearhart recommended people use caution, avoid strenuous activity, avoid outdoor activities, reduce other sources of air pollution and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.