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FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) \u2014 Dense Valley fog continues to roll in, prompting two school closures Thursday morning.<\/p>\n
The layer developing overnight and stretching into the early morning hours which is a weather pattern that can also affect Valley air quality.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing down Turlock and Merced towards Fresno and going down to Tulare, you see an increasing in poor air quality,\u201d said Dr. Praveen Buddiga, a Valley allergist and immunologist who has served hundreds of patients in Central California.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same pattern that promotes fog in the morning hours is also a pollution trap, so no surprise the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive individuals right now, and the forecast remains just that,\u201d said ABC30 Meteorologist Kevin Musso.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe air quality index increases as we go south towards Bakersfield,\u201d said Dr. Buddiga.<\/p>\n
As the number climbs on the Air Quality Index, so does the threat of breathing in poor air for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch as those with lung problems such as asthma, COPD, chronic bronchial infection, bronchitis,\u201d said Dr. Buddiga.<\/p>\n
Those most at risk are young children with developing lungs who are more susceptible to the particulate matter found in the Valley air.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeeny, tiny particles \u2014 in many cases, you can breathe them in, inhale them; it gets into your bloodstream. It has a very bad effect on your health,\u201d said Heinks.<\/p>\n
Dust and diesel particles linger in the Valley air grab onto Valley fog which acts as a sponge. That can result in dangerous air quality.<\/p>\n
Fog only adding to that danger, trapping man-made pollutants at ground-level.<\/p>\n
As fog lingers and Valley temperatures drop more and more homeowners fire up their fireplace for warmth.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can smell a much stronger sense of smoke in the air \u2014 that\u2019s simply because if there are any houses in the area burning, it\u2019s hanging out in that fog right with us,\u201d said Heinks.<\/p>\n