NORTHEAST WI- Smoke from large wildfires burning in Canada is expected to continue impacting air quality across portions of the Upper Midwest, including northeast Wisconsin, prompting health officials to urge residents to take precautions.
The smoke is drifting south from active wildfires in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Air quality advisories have already been issued in parts of the region, including Menominee County, where Health Director Nick Mau said residents should prepare for deteriorating air quality.
“I would extend that advisory to Shawano County residents as well,” Mau said. “The great thing about technology is most weather apps now include the Air Quality Index, so people can easily monitor conditions where they live.”
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, uses a color-coded scale to indicate pollution levels. Mau said once the index reaches the orange category or higher, sensitive groups should begin limiting their exposure.
“Anything in the orange, red, purple or maroon categories ranges from unhealthy to hazardous,” Mau said. “If you have asthma, COPD, breathing issues or are immunocompromised, you should stay indoors whenever possible.”
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. According to Aspirus Health, exposure can worsen asthma and other chronic lung diseases, increase the risk of heart-related complications, and irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
Mau also recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated.
“If you do have to be outside, avoid heavy physical activity where you’re really huffing and puffing in poor air quality,” he said. “And if you have asthma, review your asthma action plan with your doctor so you know what to do if your symptoms worsen.”
Health officials encourage residents to monitor local air quality forecasts, limit time outdoors during periods of poor air quality, and seek medical attention if they experience persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest pain.
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