Louisville remains under air quality alert. How wildfires are causing air pollution in KY

Rae Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·3 min read

The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District and Indiana Department of Environmental Management have issued an air quality alert until midnight Thursday evening for Jefferson County and the surrounding areas.

Haze from smoke emitted from wildfires in Canada has been blanketing parts of the Midwest, including areas in Kentucky, for the last several weeks. Thursday's alert follows another put out Wednesday with weather and health officials saying exposure to current levels of haze has the potential to affect the general population.

Louisville's air quality index measured above 170 in some places as of Thursday morning, according to an air quality map. Levels beyond 150 start to become unsafe for most people, the site said.

In addition to the air quality, Louisville could see showers and thunderstorms throughout the next few days, according to the weather service. Storms could be strong to severe with threats of "torrential rainfall, damaging winds and large hail." Temperatures could reach up to the low 90s.

Western Kentucky saw an additional warning with a heat advisory in effect starting at noon Thursday and running through 9 p.m. Friday, according to the weather service. The heat index could reach between 105 and 110 both days, increasing risk of heat-related illness.

What is an air quality alert?

According to Columbia University, the EPA created the air quality index, or AQI, "to monitor and report on air quality each day and let people know about its possible health impacts."

Over 1,000 locations in the United States monitor and record the air for four significant pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. An air quality index level of 100 is considered safe. An AQI under 100 is good or acceptable, and an AQI over 100 is cause for concern, especially for vulnerable groups. Levels over 300 indicate hazardous conditions.

The Mary M. Miller steamboat on the Ohio River is obscured by smoke from the Canadian wildfires that have created a haze in downtown Louisville, Ky. on June 28, 2023.
The Mary M. Miller steamboat on the Ohio River is obscured by smoke from the Canadian wildfires that have created a haze in downtown Louisville, Ky. on June 28, 2023.

Is the air in Louisville safe?

Louisville's air quality index measured above the acceptable range Thursday morning, ranging from the 150s to 170s, making it potentially unsafe for most people, according to purpleair.com, an air quality aggregator. Long-term exposure could increase risks of heart and lung-related illnesses.

What do I need to know about unhealthy air quality conditions?

Dr. Steven Patton, a family medical and urgent care practitioner, said air quality right now is "frightening," but there are things folks can do to mitigate the effects of air pollution and some symptoms to watch out for.

Patton favored staying indoors on days when air quality is nearing unsafe levels, but if you need to go out, he suggests wearing a mask.

Even if you're staying indoors, small particulates, dust and pollen brought from outside can disturb the air quality. Patton recommended changing air filters, vacuuming carpets and changing linens regularly.

Chronic cough that gets worse at night, sinus congestion, chest tightness and ear pain are all symptoms that Patton said could be exacerbated lung-related illnesses like asthma due to exposure to poor air quality, though there is no one-size approach to which symptoms are related. He suggested regularly taking medications for allergies or asthma.

Long-term effects of exposure to poor air quality can lead to an increased risk of heart and lung-related illnesses, Patton said.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires have created a haze in downtown Louisville, Ky. that obscures the view of the area on June 28, 2023.
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires have created a haze in downtown Louisville, Ky. that obscures the view of the area on June 28, 2023.

What if I need to be outside when the air quality index is high?

If you have to be outside while the air quality is low, there are a few tips sources recommend trying to follow.

  • Close windows while in traffic and choose routes that are less traveled, especially by diesel-powered vehicles

  • Avoid too much exertion in general and especially near roadways or on days when the air quality is poor

  • Wear a mask

  • Take a shower or bath after being outside

The Cincinnati Enquirer contributed. Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Canada's wildifres continue to effect Louisville air quality index