BLOOMINGTON — Smoke drifting into the region from ongoing wildfires in Canada has prompted an Air Quality Action Day for Monroe County, in effect until midnight tonight.
The Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) advised residents that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) declared the action day after fine particulate matter (PM2.5) carried by the smoke significantly reduced air quality across south-central Indiana. As of this morning, Monroe County’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 134, placing it in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers an AQI between 0 and 50 to be healthy.
Fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke poses a risk because the microscopic particles can settle deep into lung tissue, triggering respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While prolonged exposure to elevated AQI levels can affect anyone, health officials emphasize that sensitive populations are particularly vulnerable:
- Children and teens (whose lungs are still developing)
- Older adults
- Pregnant individuals
- People with respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD)
- People with heart disease
- Outdoor workers
Recommended Safety Precautions
To limit exposure to hazardous fine particles, the Monroe County Health Department recommends the following measures:
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Reduce time spent outdoors, especially during strenuous activities like outdoor exercise, yard work, or sports practice. Individuals in high-risk groups who must spend extended time outside should consider wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator.
- Keep Indoor Air Clean: Keep doors and windows closed. Set home HVAC systems to “recirculate” mode to prevent pulling outdoor smoke inside, and use portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters if available.
- Avoid Adding to Pollution: Refrain from lighting bonfires or grills, limit the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, and avoid idling vehicles.
- Monitor Health & Symptoms: Watch for signs of smoke exposure, including coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. Anyone experiencing symptoms should move indoors immediately.
Residents with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions are advised to keep rescue medications readily accessible and follow their personal action plans. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, such as significant difficulty breathing or chest pain, should seek immediate medical attention.
MCHD stated it will continue monitoring local conditions and share updates as air quality changes. Live air quality updates can be tracked at SmogWatch.IN.gov or AirNow.gov.
