An Air Quality Action Day is in effect for all of Indiana today and Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves south.
Officials with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management say air quality will be in the Unhealthy Air Quality Index range and are forecasting high levels of fine particles, PM2.5, in the air. Current air monitor readings across the state are rising as the Canadian wildfire plume moves south, and forecast models are all pointing toward very high levels for both today and Wednesday, according to an IDEM news release.
PM 2.5 is is composed of microscopic dust, soot and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those people at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure, officials say.
People should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors during these conditions, according to IDEM.
The National Weather Service also warns that visibility could be reduced today and Wednesday due to the smoke. Reduced visibilities of primarily between 3 and 4 miles, with peak reductions of 1 mile, are possible. If traveling through these areas, people should be prepared for haze that could suddenly reduce visibilities, the agency says.
Officials say the public should consider taking the following actions to help reduce ozone-forming emissions:
- Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation.
- Avoid using the drive-thru and combine errands into one trip.
- Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
- Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds.
- Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above.
- Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood-fired boilers and any other unnecessary fires.
- Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to particulates and avoid exercising near busy roads.
