An Air Quality Action Day is in effect for all of Indiana Thursday as smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to blanket the state.
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 particulates (PM2.5) in the air. Air monitor readings across the state were very high on Wednesday as the Canadian wildfire smoke plume continues to move slowly through the state, 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.
Sensitive groups should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors during these conditions, according to IDEM.
Officials say the public should consider taking the following actions to help reduce PM2.5 emissions:
- Carpool or use public transportation;
- Avoid using the drive-thru and combine errands into one trip;
- Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time;
- Avoid using gas-powered equipment;
- Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting;
- Use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors.
As a reminder, officials say Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning. Residents can visit IN.gov/openburning for more information.
More air quality information can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov or by going to AirNow.gov.
