Question Regarding Air Quality in San Francisco
 

Hello Fodors Community,

My family booked travel to San Francisco earlier in the year, however, given the air quality concerns related to the Butte Campfire, are considering postponing the trip. I would really appreciate some firsthand feedback regarding the air quality from those in the community who live in San Francisco to help us with our decision. Thanks so much, as always.

- RT

Is there someone in your traveling party that has issues relating to breathing (asthma for example)? If not, I wouldn't postpone your trip. The air quality isn't great, but it isn't so bad that it will affect your trip either (other than that views won't be great). When is your trip? (P.S. I do have a very mild breathing issue and it hasn't seriously affected me at all, and I both live and work in the city).

It isn't the actual visible smoke that is a concern. It is the particulate matter and in real time (well as of 11AM) SF is definitely in the Unhealthy range . . .

https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=...ity&cityid=317

SF is 161 -- up here in Sacramento it is 182. (Chico is 234!! - Yikes)

When exactly is your trip? winds are expected to increase and clean things out a bit next week. Even a chance of rain which would be terrific.

I just returned from 4 nights in the Bay Area, from SF to Palo Alto to Inverness. It is smoky, but it didn't bother my lungs.

I saw some people in SF wearing masks, which would be an option if you have problems.
The visibility isn't great, but I don't think I would cancel a trip because of it.

Praying for rain!

>>I saw some people in SF wearing masks<<

Unfortunately - 90% of the masks in use are not effective for that purpose. The masks carried by most drug stores . . . and even the ones the City of Sacramento handed out to huge fanfare, do not work for the particulates. From this link: https://www.healthline.com/health-ne...ldfire-smoke#1

>>The only types of masks that should be used are labeled with N95 or P100<<

This is a bigger issue than visibility or 'I felt OK'. You do not mention ages in your family but especially elderly and young children should stay indoors at these levels.


But again -- it all may blow out or wash out if the weather patterns change in the next 10 days.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond, everyone. My trip is planned for next M - Sat. Based on the feedback, I think we'll continue monitoring the situation through Saturday and also use common sense approaches i.e. the masks that were recommended as necessary.

I’m currently staying with friends in the Bay Area. They’ve been going into the City and have gotten masks, the air there seeming to be worse than the north bay where they live. So a general reading for the Bay Area is less useful than those for specific areas, something to keep in mind.

Thanks again. Given the recent news about muni & school closures, I think we’re going to cancel. No complaints here considering what others are undergoing of course. Hope those of you visiting / living in the Bay Area get some relief soon.

>>Hope those of you visiting / living in the Bay Area get some relief soon.<<

The Bay area is getting a VERY mild impact compared with other areas. Many parts of Placer, Yuba and Sutter counties (just outside of Sacramento) have PM indexes of 350 to well over 450. Extremely hazardous.

The masks you saw may not all be for that purpose. Masks appearing up here too, and it’s not smoke—it’s flu season. Fairly common, especially among Asians, to wear them to prevent from passing it on.

good to know to about the smoke. Is visibility affected? In terms of planes, I mean? I was thinking of heading down to SF in a few weeks, and although I realize that’s a way off, I don’t want to worry about delays. Air quality doesn’t bother me so much, unless it’s really hazardous.

Yes, delays at SFO yesterday.

The cable cars have been pulled due to air quality. In all honesty if I were planning a vacation to SF right now, I would seriously consider rescheduling. The air quality is awful, the visibility is limited, which makes for a very different experience.

Sounds like a bummer. Thanks, folks.

My friend in Sonoma said it was bad today. Depends on winds also. I hope they get rain soon. We know two families that have lost everything. They at least have the use of an rv and they have seven people, cats and dogs sharing but at least it isn't a tent. They have lived in Paradise for years. No word when they can even go back. It is just so sad. Someone did send them a picture so they know both homes are gone.

Indeed, we wound up postponing mostly due to concerns about my young daughter’s comfort and health. This was planned to be an outdoor / walking / photography trip so the enjoyment would have been significantly undermined by the conditions. Luckily, our hotel was understanding despite the fact that we booked under a promotional and a non-refundable rate (we would have accepted the penalty in this case).

Of course, maintaining perspective on the matter, my thoughts go out to those impacted by the fires, first and foremost. Thanks again for all of the input and related information. All of the feedback was definitely relevant in helping us decide.

Best,
RT