LINCOLN, Nebraska (COLOGNE) – A health advisory was issued Thursday as large amounts of smoke from the massive wildfires in Canada will move south into eastern Nebraska over the next few days.
The Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department issued a health advisory late Thursday night through around noon Saturday.
The LLCHD said smoke levels could fluctuate in the next few days due to weather patterns and smoke from fires, which could be unhealthy for everyone.
According to LLCHD officials, wildfire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, exacerbate chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause angina pectoris (chest pain) in some people with heart disease. Furthermore, most at risk are the young, the elderly and sensitive people with respiratory and heart disease.
LLCHD recommends that people at high risk avoid extensive outdoor physical activity or stay indoors with windows and doors closed. People with asthma should follow an asthma action plan and have fast-acting relief medications readily available. Everyone who goes outdoors should reduce strenuous physical activity, get plenty of rest, and be alert for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
Residents can stay informed of ongoing air quality conditions by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI), which updates hourly for the next few days. His AQI level in the orange category can cause health problems for sensitive people, while her AQI level in the red category can cause health problems for everyone .
The Environmental Protection Agency also offers AirNow and SmokeSense smartphone apps to keep people informed of AQIs in their area.
For more information on LLCHD, visit lincoln.ne.gov/health.
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