SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is warning residents of incoming smoke from Canadian wildfires that is set to settle across portions of the state.
The alert from DANR is in effect from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, or until conditions improve.
“The smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) advises that these levels may be a concern to public health and provides additional resources to make an informed decision on personal healthcare choices,” reads the alert from the DANR.
The department warns that elderly citizens and young children, as well as those with respiratory problems, are most at risk due to the smoke, and urges all people to avoid “excessive physical exertion” and to “minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke.”
People are also encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to preserve air quality inside buildings.
The alert warns that air pollution can aggravate things such as heart conditions, cardiovascular disease and lung conditions such as asthma and COPD. Those who experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue may need to contact their health care provider.
The DANR says that they track and provide air quality data on their website for several locations in South Dakota, and notes that hourly PM2.5 values greater than 35 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health.
You can track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
The alert also says you can find an explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
They also provided a link to “an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC for use by schools, daycares, and summer camps” at https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
