Wildfire smoke gets in their eyes in Central Valley

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Smoke from wildfires throughout California is blowing into the already heavily polluted Central Valley, sending readings of dangerous soot skyward and prompting public health warnings.

All eight counties of the San Joaquin air basin are affected, air quality specialists from the valley air district said.

Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravating lung and respiratory disease, and causing asthma attacks, acute bronchitis and heart attacks. Older adults, children and those with heart or lung disease are advised to limit outdoor time, and avoid exercise or heavy exertion.

--Janet Wilson

photo of Lake Tahoe fire by Paul Sakuma / The Associated Press