November 1st marked the start of Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District Don’t Light Tonight season, the District’s voluntary program encouraging residents to not burn wood on days where air quality forecasts for particulate matter are above 25 micrograms per cubic meter, or an AQI of 78.

Wood smoke contains toxic, harmful air pollutants including PM 2.5 which can cause short and long-term health effects and trigger asthma attacks or worsen existing conditions. During winter months, weather conditions cause pollutants to become trapped closer to the ground and calmer winds limit dispersion.  These conditions make it even more important to limit emissions to preserve air quality and protect health in our communities.

After this year’s wildfire season, many residents are very cautious of elevated levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) and aware of the impacts that poor air quality can have on their health.  Unlike the widespread impacts of wildfire smoke, wood burning creates neighborhood pockets of pollution.  In fact, neighbors of wood burning households can be exposed to pollution 100 times or higher than others in the community.  But what about the households that burn wood? An EPA study showed they contained 500 times more toxic components of air pollution inside their homes than households that do not burn wood. These significant impacts are why it is so important to stay warm and enjoy cozy nights in this season without burning wood.

The District encourages you to participate this year by staying informed, checking the DLT status and view ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ advisories:

 

 

  • Visit the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District’s website at www.ysaqmd.org where ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ advisories will be posted.
  • Check the District’s Facebook or Twitter account for advisories.
  • Sign up for the District’s EnviroFlash service at: http://ysaqmd.enviroflash.info/
  • Call (530) 757-3787 for a recorded message with the daily ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ status