FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Health officials are warning the valley community about a spike in air pollution due to record-high temperatures for this time of year.   Valley Air District spokesperson Heather Heinks expects the unhealthy air to linger around into early next week. “{During} summertime, we worry about ozone. So, all of the pollution that we make from various sources in the valley, they bake in that hot summer sun and the ozone creeps up in the afternoon. And even though it's October, we're seeing that happen," she explained. "We're hoping with cooler weather, the pollution also disperses, and we see better air quality as well." Heinks said those elevated ozone concentrations negatively impact air quality.  “We've got an inversion layer that's basically invisible, that’s trapping any pollution that's mixing around in the valley. And so that's why you're seeing monitors jump up a little bit with particulate matter exposure and potentially ozone exposure," she said. Significant weather events also play a role in contributing to trapping pollutants in the air.   “If there's a wildfire or a source that's burning nearby, it's going to have particulates in it. And when it gets suspended in the air at ground level, we breathe it in with every breath we take. And those pieces are so microscopic that they can get inhaled, go through your lungs and get into your bloodstream and do a bunch of bad things to your health," Heinks explained. Exposure to particulate pollution can trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis. It can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and respiratory infections.   According to Heinks, sensitive populations, including older adults and young children, are also heavily affected by air pollution. "They breathe more breaths per minute. They're taking in that pollution faster. And if you're having them exercise and do something fun outdoors, they're really breathing it in," she noted. While hot temperatures persist, Heinks said there are a few tips to help protect your family.   “You should keep an eye on air quality, stay hydrated, reduce the amount of time that you're really exerting yourself outside. And in general, if you're headed outdoors, check air quality first," she explained. "Air quality should be on anyone's mind, healthy or not." To learn more about your local area's air quality, visit the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District website.