Health Department Encourages Public to Monitor Air Quality

Published on April 06, 2023

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today encouraged residents to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) during the next several days to determine if levels of smoke in the air are unhealthy. Forecast weather conditions Thursday through Monday in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma are expected to be ideal for controlled burning. If widespread burning occurs, prevailing southerly winds may cause elevated levels of smoke in Lincoln and Lancaster County and the air quality may periodically be unhealthy for some.

Smoke from controlled burning and wildfires can cause health issues, especially for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions, or heart disease. Those at risk are encouraged to check the AQI before and during any strenuous outdoor activities, take plenty of breaks and watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available. Those who experience difficulty breathing, coughing, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations, tightness in the chest, or angina should contact a medical care provider.

When air quality is unhealthy, children, older adults, and people with asthma or heart or lung disease should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion during outdoor activities. Those at risk can further protect their health by staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, using a HEPA filter, and using the recirculate setting when using a vehicle air conditioner.

LLCHD monitors air quality 24 hours per day, and the AQI at airnow.gov is updated hourly. The Environmental Protection Agency also provides the “AirNow” and “SmokeSense” smart phone applications to help people stay informed of the AQI in their area. These tools also provide guidance on what precautions people should take when heading outdoors.

For more information on LLCHD, visit lincoln.ne.gov/health.