The air quality in Douglas County on Wednesday has been placed in the "unhealthy" category, meaning those with heart or lung disease, older adult and children should not spend long amounts of time outside.
The conditions are due to smoke from fires in Northeast Kansas and Oklahoma. The county's health department says conditions could improve throughout the morning thanks to wind moving smoke out of the area.
Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a smoke advisory for the state.
People in the area are encouraged to monitor the air quality Index and use common sense, if it looks smoky outside, stay indoors.
"Vigarious exercise should definitly be avoided, even for healthy individuals right now, I would exercise later on tonight if air quality conditions improve," said Russ Hadan, Douglas County Environmental Supervisor.
Air quality and your health
The county health department also advises those with asthma or other lung conditions are advised to follow their doctor's directions regarding medications and asthma management plans and to call their doctor if their symptoms worsen.
The state health department advises contacting your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
Air quality and your home
If you're looking for ways to protect the air quality in your home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests the following:
- Test for radon or determine how to fix high levels of radon.
- Reduce asthma triggers.
- Prevent mold by controlling moisture.
- Keep your home and car smoke-free.
- Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Change the batteries in existing CO and smoke detectors.
- Use and properly maintain your ventilation system.
