Canadian wildfire smoke causes air quality alert in South Dakota
A May 2023 view of wildfire smoke from Canada cloaking the Black Hills. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight, via EcoFlight)
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources issued an air quality alert Monday for areas of South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada has settled.
The alert is in effect through Tuesday, or until conditions improve.
Elderly people, young children and people with respiratory problems are the most susceptible to the smoke, the department said, adding that all people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.
The department provides air quality data on its website for several locations in South Dakota. Hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) values greater than 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health.
More air quality information
Track real-time fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations by visiting denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision or airnow.gov.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning is available by going to danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality and clicking the “Real Time Data” link.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC, visit airnow.gov, hover over the “AQI & Health” menu item, and click on the “Activity Guides” link.
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