COLUMBUS – For the second time in three weeks, drifting smoke from ongoing wildfires across Canada has created unhealthy conditions in central Ohio.
Air Quality Alerts were issued for Tuesday and Wednesday because of unhealthy air, according to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
Wildfire smoke is creating curtains of haze and raising air quality concerns throughout the Great Lakes region, and in parts of the central and eastern United States.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow.gov site shows parts of Illinois, lower Michigan and southern Wisconsin have the worst air quality in the U.S.
“It is important to take poor air quality seriously, as exposure to smoke can cause health problems,” director of the Ohio Department of Health Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said.
“Certain groups of people are at higher risk, such as those with chronic heart or lung disease, children, the elderly, and pregnant women, he said.
Smoke from wildfires contains particulates, which can be inhaled, causing irritation of the eyes, nose or throat, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
It can also aggravate chronic heart and lung conditions.
Vanderhoff says the most important precaution is to limit outdoor activity, especially exercise, and spend more time indoors.
Health officials advise spending time in a room you can close off from outside air,
avoid using candles, gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and aerosol sprays.
Smoking and vacuuming may worsen indoor air pollution.
If you have a central air conditioning system, experts recommend using high-efficiency filters to capture fine particles from smoke. If your system has a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper.
Stay hydrated and if your eyes, nose or throat are irritated, running a humidifier may provide some relief.
Visibilities may drop below a mile, particularly near bodies of water and low-lying areas so motorists are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for rapidly changing visibility conditions.
MORPC’s forecast indicates air quality will be affected by smoke on Thursday and Friday as well.
During air quality alerts, residents are asked to avoid burning wood, leaves, and other materials.
Motorists should combine trips and bicycle or walk to nearby destinations, turn off engines and avoid refueling their vehicles or wait until dusk to refuel your vehicle. They should also avoid topping off fuel tanks as spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates.
Residents are encouraged to avoid mowing lawns or using other gas-powered lawn equipment. Longer grass in your yard is good for the air, as well as the lawn, according to MORPC experts.