Monitor Air Quality In Lincoln

(KFOR NEWS  May 31, 2019)  The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today encouraged residents to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI). Prevailing winds have blown smoke from several large wildfires in northern Canada into Nebraska.  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 AQI before doing any strenuous outdoor activity.  The LLCHD monitors air quality 24 hours a day and the AQI at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: air) is updated hourly.  These monitors provide air quality data to help provide health  recommendations to Lancaster County residents.  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.

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