Health department issues smoke advisory for eastern, central Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a smoke advisory Thursday for the eastern and central parts of the state.

The advisory runs until 5 p.m. Friday, with the air quality rated from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The department said smoke from the wildfires in Canada could affect the air in the areas of Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont and Grand Island.

Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist Rusty Dawkins said smoke from Arizona fires is also mixing in with the Canadian smoke.

During moderate conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may experience health effects, according to officials.

When conditions rise to that level, which is categorized as yellow, those who are unusually sensitive are advised to consider shortening outdoor activities and reducing the intensity of these activities.

Symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath are signs to take it easier.

At the next level, orange, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.

Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women, and outdoor workers.

The following air quality index is used by the department:

The index is used nationally and is available in real-time for Nebraska by visiting https://www.airnow.gov.

For more information on smoke awareness, visit the department’s website.