Wildfire smoke pushes Indy air quality to dangerous level? Here's how you can stay safe.

Indianapolis Star
Updated ·2 min read

Canada’s wildfire smoke hazing over Indianapolis isn’t just creating visibility issues. The smoke also is causing the air quality to reach unhealthy levels for Hoosiers outside.

High levels of particulate matter from the smoke can pose potential health risks to the public, and the City of Indianapolis has provided residents with some safety tips while the air quality index remains high.

A haze covers Indianapolis, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 as seen from White River Pkwy across White River. Air quality in Central Indiana is being impacted by Canadian wildfires.
A haze covers Indianapolis, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 as seen from White River Pkwy across White River. Air quality in Central Indiana is being impacted by Canadian wildfires.

Canada wildfire smoke: Why it's so hazy in Central Indiana, and how long it could last

“The City of Indianapolis is closely monitoring and taking precautions as we’re experiencing unhealthy Air Quality Index levels,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement. “It is crucial for residents to prioritize their health and safety. I urge all community members to stay informed about the air quality and take the necessary precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe.”

How to stay safe from wildfire smoke

  • Keep activity levels low

  • Avoid outdoor activities

  • Consider wearing a mask outdoors: Choose a “particulate respirator” that has been tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It will have the words NIOSH and either N95 or P100 printed on it.

  • Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed using MERV-13 or better air filtration

  • Maintain indoor air quality by avoiding lighting candles, vacuuming or other actions that lower air quality

  • Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Bring outdoor pets inside.

Dr. Brady Scott, fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care and associate professor at Rush University, said the poor air quality can worsen health conditions for people with pre-existing lung and heart problems.

Bad air quality can cause those with asthma to experience attacks and he suggested they refrain from all physical activity outside.

Even healthy people should take precautions when air quality reaches levels as bad as Indianapolis reached. Rather than go for that long bike ride, instead hit the Peleton, Scott said.

The biggest thing is reducing exposure to the bad air. Masks and temporarily limiting time outside are the best solution.

Scott said those with asthma and other respiratory conditions should make sure their medications are on hand and not expired.

To keep up to date with how the air outside is doing, Scott recommends the U.S. EPA website, airnow.gov. The site provides live updates of the local air quality and tips and suggestions to remain healthy.

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tips for staying safe from wildfire smoke in Indianapolis