Advisory issued as blowing dust raises air pollution concerns

By Mary Manning

Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 | 11:57 a.m.

Clark County air quality officials have issued an advisory for blowing dust for this afternoon and evening because of high winds in the Las Vegas Valley.

The Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management are advising residents and construction site operators to take precautions as winds as high as 30 mph with higher gusts are expected. Officials send notices to construction sites in and outside the valley, asking operators to take precautions against blowing dust.

Unhealthy levels of dust weren't occurring in the valley at midday.

Air quality officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and post an alert on the department's forecast Web site if unhealthy levels of dust occur.

Airborne dust can be inhaled and smaller particles can reach deep inside the lungs, which can aggravate those with respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases are urged to stay indoors during dust storms.

Residents can receive free air quality forecasts and advisories by e-mail or text messages through EnviroFlash. Subscription information is available at www.enviroflash.org. Residents are also encouraged to call Air Quality's dust complaint hot line at 385-DUST to report excessive amounts of blowing dust.

Officials recommend that those who must drive on unpaved roads go slowly to prevent dust, avoid short cuts across vacant lots, ride off-road vehicles in approved areas outside urban Las Vegas and that barren property be fenced or covered in gravel, rock or desert-friendly landscaping.