The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) is reminding residents to pay attention the Air Quality Index (AQI) over the next eight to 10 weeks during spring burning season.
Smoke from controlled burning across the southern and central U.S. Great Plains may cause periods of poor air quality in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Springtime winds and ongoing dry conditions in most of Nebraska and large portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas may increase the risk of wildfires.
When smoke is likely to cause poor air quality, an air quality alert or advisory will be issued by LLCHD.
Breathing smoke can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause problems for some people with heart disease. People at risk should watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider.
LLCHD performs constant air quality tracking and reports it using the AQI, which is color-coded as follows:
Green and Yellow (AQI is 0 to100) – Air quality is safe for almost everyone.- Orange (AQI is 101 to 150) – Air quality is unhealthy for people with higher sensitivity to air pollution, such as children, older adults, and those with asthma, lung disease, or other heart and lung conditions. When the AQI is orange, people in these groups should spend less time outdoors, avoid extended heavy work and exercise, and take more breaks. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick-relief medicine ready.
- Red, Purple, and Maroon (AQI is 150+) – Air quality is unhealthy for everyone. Everyone should reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Outdoor activities should be limited, moved indoors, or rescheduled. Children, older adults, and those with asthma, lung disease, or other heart and lung conditions should avoid heavy work and exercise outdoors.
Smoke levels can change with the weather, the number of fires, and with how much smoke the fires create. Check the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov for up-to-date air quality and helpful tips. For more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov.