FILE - In this image released by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Sudbury 17 wildfire burns east of Mississagi Provincial Park near Elliot Lake, Ontario, on June 4, 2023. Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada has affected air quality across vast swaths of the U.S. East and Midwest which might have some effect on garden plants if the exposure is prolonged. (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
An Air Quality Action Day will be in effect for all of Indiana Monday as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect the state.
Officials with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management extended Sunday’s air quality alert into Monday as they are forecasting high levels of particulates (PM2.5) in the air. Smoke and particulate matter is expected to raise particulate levels to the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, according to an IDEM news release.
PM2.5 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.
