Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has led to hazy conditions and an air quality alert Tuesday in Northwest Indiana and the surrounding areas.
The air quality Tuesday is unhealthy for all people, but it is especially damaging for those with respiratory ailments. The alert is in effect until midnight Wednesday, according the National Weather Service. The Chicago area had the worst air quality out of 95 cities worldwide Tuesday, according to the monitoring site IQAir.
Bilal Safadi, MD, a pulmonologist with Community Healthcare System, said children, the elderly and those with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, should reduce their exposure to air pollutants.
“People should limit or avoid outdoor activities, especially strenuous outdoor workouts,” Safadi said. “Protecting your health from the pollutants in the air should be a top priority, especially when air quality alerts are in effect. And that is sound advice for everyone who will be outdoors, not just those with compromised conditions.”
Air quality can worsen in the summer because sunshine and higher temperatures affect pollutant concentrations.
“It is important to keep an eye on the weather and air quality alerts, especially during the summer, if you have any lung or other health problems,” Safadi said. “It is always wise to check in with your provider if you have any health concerns.”
To find a healthcare provider near you, visit COMHS.org/find-a-doctor.