Since yesterday, the widespread forest fires in the Boundary Waters and Canada have created unsafe air quality throughout the upper Midwest. Many Minnesotans are experiencing visibly smoky air and the odor of ash. It’s important for all of us to keep these safety tips in mind.
- Be aware of health and safety risks created by wildires hundreds of miles away.
- Monitor local air quality indexes.
- Track current air quality conditions at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or at
- AirNow.gov, the interactive resource maintained by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and its partners. Just plug in your zip code for up-to-the-minute air quality information.
- If you have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory or pulmonary conditions, take your medication as prescribed and keep a rescue inhaler with you.
- See your doctor for breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, wheezing, shortness of breath.
- Reduce exposure to hazardous outdoor air, and use a respiratory mask (N95, if possible).
