Though summer hasn’t even begun, wildfire-fueled hazy skies have already descended upon Wisconsin. The conditions have led to air quality alerts.
Experts predict wildfires will continue to increase in number and severity as climate change worsens. Along with the risks to people’s safety come other negative health impacts associated with poor air quality.
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable. These include children and older adults. Other at-rsk groups include people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, chronic heart disease, and diabetes, according to the American Lung Association.
“Air quality alerts are issued when certain pollutants reach a specified level,” says Dr. Michael Maguire of Fox Valley Pulmonary Medicine. “Poor air quality may exacerbate certain health conditions and lead to adverse effects for people in sensitive groups. At high levels, anyone can be impacted.”
Measuring Air Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) that monitors four types of air pollution. These include ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. The AQI values air quality with numbers that range from 0 to 500.
Higher AQI numbers indicate more severe pollution, and thus a greater concern for people’s health. Advisories go out when AQI numbers exceed the safe standards. In the yellow and orange ranges, sensitive groups are at risk for developing health effects. In the red, purple, and maroon ranges, anyone may start to experience negative effects.
Air Quality Symptoms
Poor air quality can lead to respiratory symptoms, especially for those who are in sensitive groups.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor air quality can lead to:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Stinging eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
People with asthma can be particularly impacted when ozone is high, since ozone increases sensitivity to asthma attack-inducing allergens.
Impact of Poor Air Quality
Dr. Maguire has seen the effects of poor air quality among his patients.
“We’re seeing more issues among patients with asthma and COPD, especially,” he says. “Some have even needed hospitalization.”
Poor air quality can inflame and damage the lining of the lungs. Continual exposure and inflammation may create scarring that permanently interferes with lung function. Ozone also can damage cells that assist the lung’s defenses, making people more susceptible to infections.
Who’s at Risk
“Ozone exposure presents a particular risk to children — including teens — because their lungs are still developing,” Dr. Maguire says. “They’re also the ones often playing outside in nice weather.”
Exposure to low-quality air also may impact older adults. It can accelerate declines in lung function that come with age. It also may exacerbate chronic lung problems such as bronchitis and emphysema. Repeated exposure to high levels of poor air quality can impact anyone.
“The long-term risk in sensitive patients is that their lung function — which is already compromised — will get reduced even further,” Dr. Maguire says. “The general population may not notice reduced lung function, but if it gets measured, it will be reduced compared to where it should be.”
How to Protect Yourself
“When you see alerts issued, follow the guidelines accordingly to reduce your exposure to the air when necessary,” Dr. Maguire says. “People in highly sensitive groups should reduce their outdoor activity as early as the ‘yellow’ category, which is a moderate AQI value.”
Sensitive populations should reduce heavy or prolonged outdoor activity when the alerts reach “orange.” Everyone, regardless of their sensitivity level, should do the same once the AQI reaches the “red” level.
When air quality levels decline on hot days, it’s a good idea to close the windows and run the air conditioning. Before warm weather hits, make sure your air conditioner’s filters are up to date.
If the AQI reaches 151 or higher, consider avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise. That could mean, for example, taking a break from running outside until the air quality improves. Walking, which requires less exertion, is a safer option. Wearing a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 respirator, also can help reduce your exposure to pollutants when outdoors.
Stay Informed
Many weather reports and apps share information on air quality. In addition, certain apps are specifically dedicated to information about air quality. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a website that offers a county-by-county map that shows air quality levels.
The EPA and its partners also have set up the AIRNow website. Here, you can type in your ZIP code and get up-to-date information on air quality. You also can sign up for email alerts.
Air quality issues aren’t going away, but education and careful decision-making can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
“Being aware of the air quality and changing your plans when necessary will help keep you healthier in the long term,” Dr. Maguire says. “Don’t try to tough it out.”
