The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) has issued an air quality advisory due to smoke from wildfires in central and western Canada that has the potential to impact Lancaster County throughout the weekend.
Smoke from these fires may reach levels that are unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory or heart conditions.
“The severity of air quality is difficult to predict, but smoke in Lancaster County may reach levels that are unhealthy for everyone. The highest potential for smoke impacts is expected Saturday evening through noon on Sunday,” said Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Section Supervisor with LLCHD.
Breathing smoke can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause problems for some people with heart disease. People at risk should watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider.
When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the orange category, that means the air quality is unhealthy for individuals with higher sensitivity to air pollution. People at risk should watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.
Those at risk can further protect their health when air quality is poor by staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, using a HEPA filter, and using the recirculate setting when using a vehicle’s heater or air conditioner.
When the AQI is in the red category or worse, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone, and everyone should follow the guidance provided above.
Smoke levels can change with the weather and with how much smoke the fires create. Check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov for up-to-date air quality and helpful tips. You can also use the EPA AirNow and SmokeSense smart phone apps to track air quality.
For more information about the LLCHD, visit lincoln.ne.gov/health.