The San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and County Public Health Department are advising the public of deteriorating air quality in the Oceano Dunes/Nipomo Mesa area due to blowing dust and sand on Friday, Oct. 18. 

Blowing sand and dust is forecasted to occur from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the dust forecasted to peak from noon to 6 p.m. Very sensitive individuals such as infants, as well as children and adults with existing respiratory or heart conditions, may experience adverse health effects during blowing dust periods.

County officials recommend that the public reschedule outdoor activities to occur when there is no visible dust. If blowing dust and sand is visible in the air, County officials recommend all adults and children avoid strenuous outdoor activity, remain indoors as much as possible, and set any heating/air conditioning/ventilation systems to recirculation. 

The public is advised to consult their doctor if they are experiencing health problems in an area with blowing dust and sand. If staying indoors does not provide relief, temporarily leaving the area and going to a location where sand is not blowing and dust is not visible is advised.

County officials will continue to closely monitor air pollution levels throughout our region, as forecasts can change. Visit the APCD website slocleanair.org/air-quality/air-forecasting-map.php to see current air quality conditions, forecasts for San Luis Obispo County and to see if you are in the impacted zone for blowing dust. Sign up to receive the daily air quality forecast via email by visiting slocleanair.org/air-quality/forecasting.php.