SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — After wildfires brought historic air pollution to the Midwest last summer, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are encouraging residents to regularly monitor air quality to protect their own health and minimize their contributions to air pollution.
The Illinois EPA issues daily air quality forecasts, based on the federal Air Quality Index (AQI) and posts the information at airnow.gov. The AQI is a color-coded system that classifies air quality from Good (Green) to Hazardous (Maroon).
Locally, 2023's wildfires produced some of the worst air conditions in decades. To help residents take precautions this summer, the Illinois EPA is offering free air quality forecasts and alerts through the EnviroFlash program and AIRNow App for iPhone and Android phones: iPhone App | Android App.
“Checking the local air quality should go hand-in-hand with checking local weather, and AirNow.gov is a valuable resource, especially for individuals with respiratory and pulmonary disease,” said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim. “Illinois EPA continually monitors air quality conditions throughout the state and makes real-time data available as well as forecasted air quality so residents can plan your day accordingly.”
Individuals most at risk due to elevated air pollution, including particle pollution and ground-level ozone, are those with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, as well as children and adults who are active outdoors. Sensitive individuals should follow their doctor’s advice. Some symptoms to look out for include wheezing, coughing, a fast heartbeat, tiredness, chest pain and shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen, you should call your physician or 911.
Smoke from distant wildfires can impact air quality right here in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns, especially in the very young, very old, and those who are medically vulnerable. Please use the free AIRNow app to understand your current environment and then take the appropriate precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the effects of poor air quality.”
All residents should keep cool and limit physical activity outdoors when air quality is unhealthy (Red) according to the Air Quality Index. Illinois residents are also encouraged to take the following actions to protect themselves when air quality is unhealthy:
Stay indoors and monitor your breathing, especially if you have heart or lung disease, and keep windows and doors closed.
If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, set your system to recirculate or close the intake.
Use high efficiency filters in air conditioning systems and portable air cleaners.
Avoid activities that create more particulate matter indoors, like smoking or burning candles.
If you cannot avoid working or other outdoor activities, then choose shorter or less intense activities, consider rescheduling if possible, and take more frequent breaks.
Consider wearing a high-quality N-95 or N-100 mask to filter damaging particles while outdoors.
Residents and businesses can also take actions to reduce contributions to local air pollution such as reducing transportation, keeping your vehicle and other engines properly tuned, using environmentally friendly paints and cleaning products, and conserving electricity.
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