Columbus’ air quality worsened due to Canadian wildfire smoke drifting over the city, turning the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to AirNow.gov.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) score was 122 as of 8 a.m. June 4, putting it in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range of 101-150.
Sensitive groups may include children, teens, older adults and people with lung or heart disease. For these groups, the EPA recommends choosing less strenuous outdoor activities, limiting time outdoors and going outside when the air quality improves.
When will the air quality in Columbus improve?
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, which monitors Central Ohio’s air quality, predicts Columbus’ air quality will remain in the moderate range through June 6. Air in the moderate AQI range is acceptable for most people, but it might pose a risk to some people, including those unusually sensitive to air pollution, according to AirNow.gov.
The air quality from Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8 will be good, according to MORPC’s forecast.
Where is the smoke coming from?
There are 202 wildfires burning in Canada currently, with 103 of them burning out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The Canadian province of British Columbia currently has the most wildfires followed by the province of Alberta. Provinces Manitoba and Saskatchewan also have a significant number of fires.
How to stay safe from wildfire smoke
If air quality worsens in your area due to wildfire smoke, it’s a good idea to limit time outdoors, experts say.
The small particles in wildfire smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe. It can also cause headaches and bronchitis, The Dispatch previously reported.
Avoid physical exertion, including indoors, if air quality becomes unhealthy. While inside, keep windows and doors shut. Leave off any air conditioning or fan systems that pull air from outside and use air filters or air purifiers. If you can’t buy a commercial portable air filter, you can create your own. One example is the Corsi-Rosenthal box made from simple materials of air filters, a box fan, and duct tape.
If you must go outside, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator mask to protect yourself. Keep your trips outside short.
You should also watch out for your pets when air quality is bad because they can’t wear a respirator mask to protect themselves but still may need to go outside. Keep their bathroom trips outside short and watch out for signs of distress such as red or watery eyes and nose, coughing or gagging and increased respiratory rate.
You can monitor air quality in your area at AirNow.gov.
Reporters Chad Murphy and Jeanine Santucci contributed to this report.
Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com and at @NathanRHart on X and at nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why is air quality bad today? See what’s behind Columbus ‘unhealthy’ alert
Reporting by Nathan Hart, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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