The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day today.
The Air Quality Action Day is due to air being in the Unhealthy Air Quality Index range and high levels of fine PM2.5 particles in the air; caused by the Canadian wildfire plume moving from north to south.
The areas in southwest Indiana expected to be affected include: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
IDEM is suggesting everyone to help reduce PM2.5 particles by making changes to daily habits including:
- Carpool or use public transportation
- Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip.
- Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time
- Avoid using gas-powered equipment
- Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting
- And use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors
PM2.5 particles are composed of microscopic dust, soot, and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. People at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure. It is recommended that everyone should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors during these conditions.
To learn more about PM2.5, view current and forecasted conditions or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
IDEM also wants to remind Hoosiers that some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on Air Quality Action Days. For more information, visit in.gov/idem/openburning/laws-and-rules/
