Extensive agricultural burns in Kansas have caused temporary air quality issues in our area. Winds carrying particles and gases from these fires can make conditions like heart disease, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema worse and trigger asthma attacks. While most people will not be affected, people with these chronic respiratory health conditions should pay special attention to outdoor air conditions and take appropriate action if necessary.
If you are concerned about air quality and your health, consider:
- Staying indoors as much as possible
- Keeping your windows and doors closed
- Avoiding strenuous activity outdoors
- Making sure that your vehicle’s air conditioner is set to “re-circulate”
If you experience excessive coughing, tightness in the chest, or chest pains, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
This kind of planned agricultural burning is common in the spring months. The closest air quality monitoring station is in Lincoln, where they track a variety of air pollutants that can affect our health, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter.
For more information, contact Public Health Solutions at 402-826-3880.
