Wildfires In Canada Affecting Air Quality In Illinois

The Canadian wildfire smoke that made its presence felt across the area weeks ago has returned, and this time it is much more dense than beforem pushing air quality into the unhealthy or worse categories.

An Air Quality Action Day means that smoke concentrations within the regional will approach or exceed unhealthy standards.Active children and adults, especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity. Air quality forecasts and tips on how you can reduce your emission can be found at www.airnow.gov.

The smoke from the ongoing wildifires in Canada  can significantly increase air pollution levels. Wildifre smoke is a mix of gases, particles and water vapour. The air quality has taken a hit, and being outdoors for extended periods of time is not recommended.

Smoke can cause sneezing, headaches, nose, throat and eye irritation, coughing and a runny nose.

If you can, stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed and turn on your air conditioning. You can use an air filter in your ventilation system.

Haze has been reported throughout Effingham and area communities.