As the spring controlled burning season heats up, and wildfires sear plains across the country, local health officials are encouraging residents to keep an eye on the regions Air Quality Index (AQI).
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) said Friday, over the next eight to 10 weeks, controlled burning across southern portions of the U.S. Great Plains may cause elevated levels of smoke in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Windy weather conditions combined with persistent drought throughout portions of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas have also resulted in several large wildfires in the past one to two weeks.
AQI levels are constantly monitored by LLCHD, who are ready to issue an advisory when it’s likely that smoke from burning and/or wildfires could significantly impact air quality.
Breathing smoke can cause health issues, especially for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory or heart conditions. When air quality is poor, watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a health care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.
The air quality levels are color-coded on the AQI chart as follows:
People 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.
Hourly AQI updates can be monitored at airnow.gov.