The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has issued a health advisory for sensitive groups due to smoke from wildfires occurring in Alberta and British Colombia, Canada.
Smoke may periodically reach levels that are unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions or heart disease.
“Northerly winds combined with heavy smoke being generated by large wildfires in Canada are likely to result in levels of smoke in the air that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke impacts are most likely through early Friday afternoon, but could linger into Saturday,” says Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Program Supervisor for the health department.
Bergstrom said when tiny particles and gases in smoke are inhaled, they can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause chest pain in some people with heart disease.
he advises those at risk to reduce strenuous physical activity while outside, take plenty of breaks and watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.
More information about the Air Quality Index is available at airnow.gov.
(Photo: National Weather Service )
