Not Just Hot Air: Let’s Talk About Poor Air Quality

Last summer, days turned into weeks of smoke-filled air blanketing our state. We smelled, and saw, the smoke from Canadian wildfires when we walked out the door and at times were told the air was “very unhealthy,” even for those without lung and heart issues.

We typically see a few air quality alert days in Dane County a year, with air pollution from human and natural sources being the primary cause. But our climate is changing. This can increase levels of ground-level ozone and particle pollution. And it can cause decreased precipitation in areas of the country, resulting in wildfires. Combine that with changes in wind patterns, and Wisconsin could be affected by smoke from areas nowhere close to us. Altogether, this could spell many more poor air quality days. 

Keep track of the air quality index

There are simple tools you can use to keep track of the air quality forecast where you are. Sign up to get email or text alerts from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Check airnow.gov or put the app on your phone.

Know if you’re more likely to get sick from poor air quality

While anyone can be affected by poor air quality, people with heart or lung disease, children, older adults, pregnant people, and people who live, work, or exercise outdoors are most at risk.

Modify outdoor activities when the air quality index is unhealthy

Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast to plan your outdoor activities. You can also check AirNow for your current air quality and take steps to reduce your exposure.

• Choose a less intense activity
• Shorten your outdoor activities
• Reschedule activities (here’s some guidance on cancelling or modifying activities)
• Exercise away from busy roads
• Stay indoors

We love this guide from AirNow.gov that explains the 6 air quality indexes, who needs to be concerned with each one, and what they should do.

Stock up on masks

While there is no mask that can filter out ozone, an N95 or KN95 mask can help if particle pollution levels are high. You can find masks online and in stores.

There are disparities in who is affected by poor air quality

While poor air quality affected much of our past summer and is likely to happen more frequently due to climate change, the reality is that low-income communities and communities of color are more likely to live near more sources of air pollution and have experienced disparities in the risk they face for a long time. We’re working with the City of Madison and other partners on an initiative to look into this issue. The project aims to better understand air quality and help  our community  develop strategies to reduce air pollution where it is the highest.

Keep on top of the AQI and have a healthy summer!

With the possibility of poor air quality days repeating this year, knowing your risk of health effects, checking the current and forecasted AQI, and knowing how to modify activities are simple steps you can take to stay healthy this summer. We communicate when a stretch of poor air quality days is forecasted. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@publichealthmdc) and sign up for email and news alerts!