Gather ’round for a tale of two cities — or should I say, a tale of two atmospheres. I recently made the bold move from the sun-kissed shores of Dana Point to the… well, let’s call it “unique” air quality of Fresno. Talk about a change of scenery — and breathing!

Here in Fresno, we were rocking a solid 57 on the Air Quality Index last Friday, putting us squarely in the “Moderate” category. It’s like the air is saying, “I’m not great, but I’m not terrible. I’m the lukewarm pizza of atmospheres.” Back in Dana Point? They’re probably wondering why the scale goes above 20.

Let’s break down this cocktail of contaminants, shall we? Because nothing says “Welcome to Fresno” like a crash course in respiratory challenges.

PM2.5 is “particulate matter” smaller than 2.5 micrometers. In Dana Point, I thought PM2.5 was a beachside happy hour. Here, it’s tiny particles treating your lungs like an Airbnb.

PM10 is the bigger, beefier cousin of PM2.5. In Fresno, it’s like sand in your shorts after a beach day, except it’s in your airways, and there’s no ocean in sight.

O3 is ozone. In Dana Point, this was the stuff protecting us from UV rays. In Fresno, it’s down here partying with the smog.

NO2 is nitrogen dioxide. The only NO2 I knew in Dana Point was my neighbor’s yappy dog’s name.

SO2 better known as sulfur dioxide was a no-show Friday. Small victories, Fresno!

CO is carbon monoxide. In Dana Point, CO was just my reaction to cold ocean water. Here, it’s playing hide and seek with our oxygen supply.

From Spa to Smog: A Respiratory Adventure

Now, coming from the coastal paradise of Dana Point, where the air is fresher than a just-caught sushi platter, Fresno’s atmosphere was an adjustment. It’s like going from breathing in a spa to huffing the air at a monster truck rally.

In fact, the health recommendations for Friday’s air quality read like a sci-fi thriller:

1. Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exercise. (There go my plans for an asthma-themed marathon.)
2. Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor air. (Ah, the joys of self-imposed house arrest.)
3. Sensitive groups should wear a mask outdoors. (Fashion trend alert: Surgical chic is in!)
4. Sensitive groups should run an air purifier. (Nothing says “home sweet home” like the constant hum of machinery fighting for your right to breathe.)

The Silver Lining: It’s Getting Better… Sort Of

But before you start planning an “Escape from Fresno” movie, remember that things are actually improving here. We’ve cut down on high ozone days by 131.4 since 1996. Fresno’s gone from chain-smoking to just bumming the occasional cigarette.

Of course, we’re still American air pollution royalty, according to the American Lung Association. They’ve crowned us:

– 4th worst for ozone pollution (out of 229 metro areas)
– 2nd worst for annual particle pollution (out of 216)
– 1st worst for short-term particle pollution (out of 204)

Surviving and Thriving in Fresno’s Air

So what’s a Fresno newcomer to do?

Well, I’ve started treating my lungs like I used to treat my skin at the beach — with lots of protection and a prayer. If you’re in the “sensitive group” — that’s code for “you actually like breathing” — maybe take it easy on the outdoor activities.

We’re all in this together. So let’s do our part to keep improving our air quality. Carpool, ride a bike, or take up competitive indoor knitting as a new hobby. After all, clean air is like a good beach day — everyone should be able to enjoy it.

Stay breezy, Fresno. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when life gives you moderately polluted air, make… well, just try not to make it worse.

Maybe we can all chip in and buy a giant fan to blow this stuff back to San Francisco and China. Just a thought. In the meantime, I’ll be here, dreaming of ocean breezes and trying to convince myself that the gray haze on the horizon is just a really long marine layer. Ah, Fresno living — where every breath is an adventure!

About the Author

GV Wire Producer Dean Kirkland is the founder and director of Gas and Gears, an independent film production company that has produced numerous television series and feature films, including the award-winning documentary “Racing Through The Forest” (2014).