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Study: Calif. Wildfires Increased Ozone Pollution

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Oct 9, 2008 12:12 pm US/Pacific

Study: Calif. Wildfires Increased Ozone Pollution

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― A new study says an outbreak of wildfires in California last year worsened smog pollution in rural areas and caused levels to spike above federal air quality standards.

California witnessed a devastating wildfire season in 2007 with drought conditions and unusually powerful Santa Ana winds fanning flames.

Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research focused on blazes that broke out last September and October.

Using computer models and data from 55 rural ground monitoring stations, they found that drifting smoke sent ozone pollution to unhealthy levels in 66 instances, about triple the usual number.

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