Health officials encouraging people to monitor air quality

Health officials are encouraging people to monitor air quality, as smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to blow down to Nebraska. 

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said smoke from wildfires can cause health issues, especially for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions or heart disease.

Those at risk are encouraged to check the Air Quality Index (lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: air) before doing any strenuous outdoor activity.

Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Supervisor for the LLCHD, said when the tiny particles and gases in smoke are inhaled into the lungs, they can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause angina (chest pain) in some people with heart disease.

When air quality is unhealthy, those at risk can further protect their health by staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed and using the “re-circulate” setting when using a vehicle air conditioner. 

Those who experience difficulty breathing, coughing, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations, tightness in the chest, or angina should contact a medical care provider.

For more information on LLCHD, visit lincoln.ne.gov/health.