(Oct. 25, 2007, with update) -- LB's City Health officer Dr. Helene Calvet, MD is advising LB residents to monitor daily local air quality and take extra precautions to protect their health as fires continue to ring the LA/OC air basin.

As first reported on LBReport.com as the fires began to grow, the Port of LB website provides access to its own detailed air quality monitoring.

As reported on LBReport.com's front page this morning (Oct. 25), LB's particulate matter air quality readings as recorded by the Port's monitoring system remains significantly above [worse than] state standards for both PM10 (10 microns and smaller) and PM2.5 (2.5 microns and smaller).

Although PM10 levels are down from Monday maximums (now just below the federal standard but well above the state standard), the level of PM2.5 -- believed to be the more dangerous of the two -- has slowly ticked upward over the past day. As of this morning (Oct. 25), it was nearly at Monday maximum levels.

[Midday update: As of midafternoon, PM2.5 has exceeded Monday's maximum.]

Oct. 25, 2007, monitor site south of Anaheim St. west of Santa Fe Ave. Chart/data source: www.polb.com.

Oct 25, 2007, monitor site south of Anaheim St. west of Santa Fe Ave. Chart/data source: www.polb.com.

The Port's air monitor indicates PM2.5 this morning (Oct. 25) is roughly twice as high as the "usual" daily LB level...which under "normal" conditions is higher than many other L.A./OC locations.

"The main air pollutant of concern during wildfires is called “particulate matter” (PM), or small particles that, when breathed into the lung, can cause inflammation or damage," Dr. Calvet said in a release. "Exposure to these particles may also lead to temporary eye, nose or throat irritation, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath."

She added, "If visibility is less than 1.5 miles, or if you can smell smoke, it is likely that the air quality is in the very unhealthy range, and you should modify or stop your outdoor activities, and stay indoors."

The release says that "if air quality is in the unhealthy range, all individuals should avoid prolonged vigorous outdoor exercise. While driving, drivers should keep their windows rolled up and air conditioners on to assist in filtering the air. While in a vehicle or indoors, use a recirculation function on your air conditioner, if available, instead of drawing smoky air from the outside."