Air quality expected to worsen as we head into weekend

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) - As Wildfires continue to burn on the Central Coast, meteorologists are warning about a decline in air quality as we head into the weekend.

We spoke with Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, and they have said they anticipate a surge in people coming to the hospital about respiratory or breathing-related problems.

"People with any type of underlying lung condition especially having so much particulate in the air causes exacerbation to those conditions," says Jeremy Hadland RN, SVMHS Emergency Dept. Manager.

COPD and Asthma are conditions that can easily be exacerbated by smoke. If you're feeling the affects of the smoke, experts recommend to talk to a medical professional.

"Seek care early it's so much easier for us to turn someone around and give them the care that they need and get them tuned up," says Hadland.

During times when the air quality can be so harmful, health professionals suggested minimizing your time outdoors.

"Stay inside stay inside stay inside. If you must go outside, wear a mask," says Hadland.