A forum was held Wednesday at Mesa Middle School in Arroyo Grande to talk about poor air quality.
An investigation found particulate matter in the area to be in violation of safety guidelines.
Public health officials at the event told residents that the easiest way to limit inhalation of particulate matter is to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Officials also stressed the importance of staying inside, closing doors and windows and turning air conditioning systems to recycle mode to avoid bringing particulate matter into your home on a bad air day.
Particulate matter is made of particles that are small enough to make their way into your respiratory system.
The particles can come from smoke or dust and can cause long-term respiratory illness if inhaled for an extended period or at a high volume.
"This event is about educating people on the air quality issue that exists and teaching people how they can protect themselves," said Monica Vaughn, SLO Tribune reporter.
The San Luis Obispo Tribune hosted the forum in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.
