METROPOLIS – State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) is alerting local residents to air quality concerns due to the arrival of a thick haze of smoke that has traveled south from the current wildfires burning in Canada. Current air quality conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate before improving throughout the next 48 hours according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has shared recommended actions that the public can take to reduce the impact of poor air quality on their health:
- Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood fired boilers
- Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to fine particulates and avoid exercising near busy roads
- Avoid using gasoline powered lawn equipment or recreational vehicles
- Turn off your engine when idling for more than 10 seconds
- Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above.
Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.
The EPA has developed a Fire and Smoke map to assist residents in tracking the movement of the smoke available for viewing at https://fire.airnow.gov/#
You can learn more about this story by visiting WSIL TV’s coverage at: https://www.wsiltv.com/news/health/air-quality-alert-in-effect-for-southern-illinois-counties/article_22ae2f0c-1526-11ee-b42c-7373b7c5aa43.html
