Canadian wildfires are causing poor air quality. Here's how to protect yourself.

Due to dozens of active wildfires across Canada, the air quality forecast for Dane County is expected to remain poor over the next few days. Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions, like asthma. If you begin experiencing symptoms like coughing, trouble breathing, stinging eyes, and scratchy throat, head indoors right away. If symptoms don't improve, talk to your doctor. 

Here's how to protect yourself during poor air quality:

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. 
• In Madison, LoveMyAir has real-time local measurements throughout city neighborhoods. 

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. If that's you, or someone you love, it's even more important to plan ahead. 

Take steps to protect your health when the air quality index is poor.

Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast to plan your outdoor activities. 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. 

Close the windows. Run your air conditioning and air purifier, if possible. 

Avoid smoky air from getting inside your home by closing up windows and running the air conditioner and air purifier, if possible. If you don't have an air purifier or they are out of your budget, you can make your own with an air filter and a box fan.

If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning, like a library, mall, or public community space.

When possible, stay indoors. If you must be outside, take steps to lower your risk.

• Wear a mask. 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.
• Shorten or modify outdoor activities. If you must be outdoors, limit your time outside as much as you're able or pick less intense activities.
• Exercise away from busy roads. If you must exercise outdoors, avoid exercising by busy roads that also increase air pollution. 
• Reschedule activities. EPA has guidance on cancelling or modifying activities based on the air quality index.

By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and your family during stretches of poor air quality!