Air Quality Alert Issued for Northwest Indiana Due to Wildfire Smoke
An air quality alert was issued for northwest Indiana Monday due to wildfire smoke, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management said, with fine particulates, or PM2.5 levels expected to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range.
The alert, which goes into effect at midnight, comes as the Chicago area continues to see poor air quality due to the Canadian wildfires.
“Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exposure,” the alert said.
Current Air Quality Situation
As of 12 p.m., air quality in northwest Indiana was in the “moderate” category, which ranked as level two of six on the Air Quality Index. The air quality was expected to worsen to the east as the smoke “continues to recirculate around a slowly moving surface high pressure system.”
As part of the air quality alert, Indiana officials asked the public to carpool or use public transportation, avoid drive-thrus and avoid fueling up with gas until after 7 p.m. Tuesday, an air quality action day will be in effect, the IDEM said.
In Chicago, air quality also ranked in the “moderate” category, according to AirNow.gov, with a PM2.5 of 72. Earlier Monday, the air quality in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs had been worse.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
Typically, anything above 100 is considered to be hazardous to at least some groups, and anything over 150 is considered to be “unhealthy,” posing issues to the general public.
“When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy: at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher,” the website states.
Air Quality in Surrounding Areas
The air quality was even worse in Wisconsin and Michigan, the National Weather Service said, “as smoke persists over the region and continues to recirculate around a slowly moving surface high pressure system.” People should watch for symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness or burning in the throat, nose and eyes.
The poor air quality across northeast Illinois as expected to improve as the morning continues, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said, though there was still the chance for hazy skies “over the next couple of days.”
What is AQI?
In total, there are six categories: green, or good; yellow, or moderate; orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups; red, or unhealthy; purple, or very unhealthy; and maroon, or hazardous.
| Daily AQI Color | Levels of Concern | Values of Index | Description of Air Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Good | 0 to 50 | Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
| Yellow | Moderate | 51 to 100 | Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| Orange | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101 to 150 | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
| Red | Unhealthy | 151 to 200 | Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
| Purple | Very Unhealthy | 201 to 300 | Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. |
| Maroon | Hazardous | 301 and higher | Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. |
Conclusion
The air quality alert issued for northwest Indiana is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the air quality in our surroundings, especially for sensitive groups. By understanding the Air Quality Index and taking necessary precautions, we can minimize the risks associated with poor air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the current air quality situation in northwest Indiana?
A: The current air quality situation in northwest Indiana is in the “moderate” category, with fine particulates, or PM2.5 levels expected to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range.
Q: What are the symptoms of poor air quality?
A: Symptoms of poor air quality include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the throat, nose, and eyes.
Q: How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
A: You can protect yourself from poor air quality by limiting prolonged outdoor exposure, carpooling or using public transportation, avoiding drive-thrus, and avoiding fueling up with gas until after 7 p.m.
Q: What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
A: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the level of air pollution in a given area, with six categories: green, or good; yellow, or moderate; orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups; red, or unhealthy; purple, or very unhealthy; and maroon, or hazardous.
Q: How often is the air quality updated?
A: The air quality is updated regularly, and you can check the current air quality situation on websites such as AirNow.gov.
