Blowing dust in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, and the valley portion of Kern counties poses potential health concern

Local air pollution officials are issuing a health cautionary statement effective through Wednesday night, May 22, 2013, because of blowing dust resulting from gusty winds. The health caution is in effect for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, and the valley portion of Kern counties.

Winds may produce areas of localized 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.

The tragedy of Monday’s tornado in Oklahoma may be halfway across the country, but there are still ways we can help locally.

Jordan Scott, communications director for the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter, said the organization is accepting donations for relief efforts. People can text REDCROSS to 9099 to make an automatic $10 donation, or can visit redcross.org to make a donation.

Scott said there are no plans yet to send teams from Northern California over to Oklahoma for relief efforts, but that it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for them to receive requests.

“Our volunteers know it may happen and to be ready,” Scott said. “We’ve got the experience and the expertise here.”

Volunteers from the area have helped out through other disasters, including the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Mo., and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.