Indiana residents are advised to take precautions as wildfire smoke from Canada drifts into the Midwest, leading to unhealthy air quality.
This weekend, several communities across the state have issued air quality alerts, warning residents of potential health risks associated with the smoke. The American Lung Association notes that exposure to this air pollution can be particularly harmful to sensitive groups, including children, older adults and individuals with lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The American Lung Association outlined six essential tips to help residents protect their lung health during this period of increased air pollution:
- Stay indoors. Residents should minimize outdoor activities and stay inside as much as possible, especially in higher smoke levels. Follow any specific guidance local authorities provide to reduce exposure to smoke, ash and other pollutants.
- Protect indoor air quality. Keeping windows, doors and fireplace dampers closed is crucial to preventing smoke from entering your home. Use air conditioners with clean filters set to recirculate indoor air if possible. Creating a “clean room” at home can also help; guidance can be found on the American Lung Association’s website.
- Monitor symptoms. Poor air quality can make breathing more difficult, especially for individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions. Contact a health care provider immediately if you experience coughing, shortness of breath or other concerning symptoms.
- Take precautions for children. Children’s developing lungs make them particularly vulnerable to smoke and pollution. Limit their outdoor exposure and take extra care to ensure they are not engaging in strenuous activities outside.
- Use proper masks. Regular dust masks and cloth face coverings are insufficient for filtering the fine particles in wildfire smoke. Instead, opt for N-95 or N-100 masks. Be aware, however, that these masks may not fit appropriately on children or individuals with facial hair and can be difficult for people with lung conditions to use.
- Seek assistance. The American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine (1-800-LUNGUSA) is available to provide free advice from health care professionals about protecting your lungs during this period of unhealthy air quality.
Wildfire smoke contains delicate particulate matter that can penetrate the lungs, causing inflammation and exacerbating respiratory conditions. Protecting your health during these events is critical, particularly for those at higher risk.
For more information about wildfires and their impact on lung health, visit Lung.org/wildfires.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
