Wildfire smoke from Canada is affecting Illinois air quality. Here's what you need to know
PEORIA — For the second day in a row, all of central Illinois is under an air quality alert because of wildfire smoke filtering down from Canada.
As of Wednesday morning, most of Illinois was still rated "unhealthy" on the EPA's interactive air quality map, Airnow. Air quality is predicted to improve late today and early Thursday when winds begin shifting from the north to the south. Some of the smoke will be lifted out of the area, though enough will remain that sensitive individuals may still feel the effects, prompting the EPA is extending the air quality warning through 7 p.m. Thursday.
Here's what you need to know about the air quality in Illinois:
Why is the air quality bad in Illinois today?
Canada is having its worst wildfire season ever. There are currently 488 fires burning — 257 of them have been deemed out of control. Wind can blow the smoke, which is actually a complex mixture of gases and tiny airborne particles, for hundreds of miles. Earlier in June, when the northeastern United States was draped in smoke, New York City had the worst air quality rating of all the world's major cities for a few days. Today it's drifting over the central U.S., and Chicago has now been given the same rating.
Canadian wildfire map
Why is it so hazy in Illinois today?
The haze drifting across the Peoria area is smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada.
Is it dangerous to breath smoke from the Canadian Wildfires?
Yes. Even though the smoke has been blown hundreds of miles, it is still composed of gases and tiny particles which can get into the blood stream and cause immediate symptoms. According to the Red Cross, people may experience coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, irritated sinuses, headaches, fatigue, chest pain and rapid heart beat.
What can I do to protect myself from negative health effects of wildfire smoke?
The elderly, small children, and people with heart or lung diseases may be more susceptible to symptoms from smoke-filled air. Keep window and doors closed and use fans and air conditioning to stay cool.
Central air conditioning systems equipped with high efficiency filters capture more fine particles, and systems should be set to recirculate rather than taking in outside air. If using a window air conditioner, make sure it's well sealed so unconditioned outside air is not coming into the home. Air conditioners in cars should be set to recirculate air. As long as the warning is in effect, do not to pollute indoor air by using candles, gas, propane, fireplaces, aerosol sprays or tobacco products. A portable air cleaner can be used to create a clean room for a vulnerable person.
Is it OK to exercise outside when the air quality is poor?
Though the elderly, small children, and people with health conditions may be more susceptible to negative effects from smoke-filled air, anyone can experience symptoms. It might be better to use the treadmill or stationary bike indoors until air quality improves.
Will a face mask protect me from wildfire smoke?
According to the American Lung Association, face masks won't be much help against wildfire smoke. Ordinary dust masks and cloth masks only filter out large particles. N95 or N-100 masks will filter out fine particles, but often don't fit properly. They aren't made for children or adults with facial hair, and are difficult for people with lung disease to use.
When will the wildfire smoke leave the area?
Wind direction will change from north to south starting late Wednesday, lifting some of the smoke out of the area, said Kirk Huettl, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln. But because enough smoke will remain for sensitive people will feel the effects, the EPA has extended the air quality warning through 7 p.m. Thursday.
Air quality map
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Air quality in Illinois: What to know on smoke from Canadian wildfires
