Health department issues air quality advisory

McCOOK, Neb. — Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) issued a health advisory today for sensitive groups due to wildfire smoke in Canada and the western United States. Southerly winds continue to carry smoke southward, leading to air quality levels that may be unhealthy for children, older adults, and individuals with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions, or heart disease.

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the 'orange' category, air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals. Those at risk are advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, take frequent breaks, and monitor for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations, tightness in the chest, or chest pain. People experiencing these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. Asthma patients should adhere to their asthma action plans and have quick-relief medication readily available.

Air quality in the "red" category or worse is unhealthy for everyone, and all residents should take the same precautions.

To further protect their health, at-risk individuals are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, use a HEPA filter, and set vehicle air conditioners to "re-circulate." Smoke levels may fluctuate due to varying wind and weather conditions, and residents should closely monitor the AQI.

SWNPHD provides 24-hour air quality monitoring on its website, www.swhealth.ne.gov, under Environmental Health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers the 'AirNow' and 'SmokeSense' smartphone apps for real-time AQI updates and outdoor precautionary guidance.

For more information, contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Additional resources and health information are available on their website. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.