Blowing dust as a result of developing gusty winds has prompted local air pollution officials to issue a health cautionary statement for Tuesday in the following areas of the air basin: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the Valley portion of Kern counties.

Winds may produce areas of localized blowing dust, which can result in unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller (PM10). Exposure to particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.

Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

For information about localized air quality, the District provides the Real-time Air Advisory Network (RAAN), an automated reporting system that delivers data directly to users’ computers. It’s free and easy to subscribe. Visit http://www.valleyair.org/RAAN for complete instructions.

For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call a District office in Fresno (559-230-6000), Modesto (209-557-6400) or Bakersfield (661-392-5500).