Canadian wildfires prompt local air quality concerns
Environment. Because the air quality level got as high as 166 from a norm of around 30 recently, a Wayne Memorial Hospital doctor advises outdoor caution.
| 07 Jun 2023 | 05:32
Due primarily to wildfires in Canada, Wayne, Pike counties as well as other parts of the eastern U.S. are experiencing very high, unhealthy air quality levels, with hazy skies and a smoky smell invading area cities and towns.
Sean McVeigh, MD, board-certified pulmonologist at Wayne Memorial Hospital, advises people with lung or heart diseases, older adults and young people to reduce their exposure to the air.
“If possible, avoid the outdoors, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at its peak,” McVeigh said.
He noted that at 3 p.m. on June 6, the air quality level was 166. “Normally, in our area, it’s about 30. However, anything above 151 is in the ‘red zone,’ meaning this air is unhealthy for everyone, but particularly those who are compromised by diseases such as asthma, COPD, heart disease,” McVeigh said. “They especially need to avoid what we call ‘airway triggers’ that can lead to breathing issues.”
McVeigh added that protocols such as inhalers should also be followed “in the same way a patient would in the face of heavy pollen or pet allergens.”
He recommends logging onto www.airnow.gov which allows you to put in your zip code and find the current level in your area. A partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Park Service, NASA and the Centers for Disease Control the site also has tips on what to do to avoid health issues.
“If you have to go out, you might want to wear a mask,” he said, acknowledging that most of the country just ditched wearing masks due to COVID not all that long ago. “It won’t last forever, but not heeding caution could lead to some serious health problems.”
McVeigh also suggested watching or listening to local news outlets for updates, especially since wind and weather patterns can change quickly.
AirNow is a partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Park Service, NASA and the Centers for Disease Control.