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October 2 - All Curbside Services Closed Due to Poor Air Quality

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When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels of 150 or higher we will suspend curbside services. According to the Air Now Website, air quality in Santa Cruz County is at an unhealthy level. Therefore, all branches will not open for curbside service today

The air quality forecast for the remainder of the week does not look good. Therefore, be prepared for disruptions in curbside services until the airflow changes in a couple of days. 

According to the government's site, Airnow, two key air pollutants can affect asthma. One is ozone (found in smog). The other is particle pollution (found in haze, smoke, and dust). Studies show that when ozone and particle pollution are in the air, adults and children with asthma, and other lung diseases, are more likely to have symptoms.

Studies also show that air pollution can trigger heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms— especially in people who are already at risk for these conditions. Also, for people with a medical condition called heart failure, air pollution can further reduce the ability of the heart to pump blood the way that it should. Particle pollution is the pollutant of greatest concern for triggering these effects. 

We do not take this action lightly, and appreciate your patience. If poor air quality continues to affect afternoon curbside hours we may temporarily move the service to the morning, as long as those mornings air quality readings are within healthy parameters. We will extend the period you have to pick up your holds for an additional week.

Considering the danger to people's health from inhaling toxic fumes from the fire and standards of safety recommended by the California Occupational Safety Administration (OSHA), we believe this is the best course of action for the time being. Stay safe.


 

View similarly tagged posts: Santa Cruz, Branches, Closures
Posted by ann on Oct. 2, 2020 at 9:36 a.m.
Permalink: https://www.santacruzpl.org/news/post/1122/

 

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