First-ever statewide Air Quality Advisory extended through today as Canadian wildfire smoke lingers

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended a statewide Air Quality Advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves through the U.S.

>> Air Quality Alert remains for parts of region today due to Canadian wildfire smoke

The advisory was issued Wednesday, June 7, and was extended this morning to last through today, June 8, a spokesperson for the Ohio EPA said. This is the first alert of its kind ever issued by the Ohio EPA, the spokesperson confirmed to News Center 7.

The Air Quality Advisory issued by the Ohio EPA is separate from the Air Quality Alert commonly issued by the National Weather Service.

Ohio EPA says it expects the Air Quality Index to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” ranges.

>> Canadian wildfires delay flights, trigger smoke alerts across eastern US

When air quality is in this range, people who are in sensitive groups due to medical conditions, exposure conditions, or innate susceptibility may experience health effects during outdoor activities.

To decrease the potential for health issues, Ohio EPA says sensitive groups of people should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.

In addition, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) announced it has extended the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) Air Quality Alert (AQA) to Thursday, June 8.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is 108 for Thursday, June 8.

MVRPC says people can reduce air pollution by doing the following:

• Avoid driving if possible. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. Carpool or take transit or for short trips, walk or ride a bike.
• Refuel your vehicle after 8:00 P.M. or, if possible, wait until after the Air Quality Alert expires. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem. By refueling after 8:00 p.m. when it’s cooler, smog doesn’t form as easily. Make sure your gas cap fits tightly so gas fumes don’t escape and contribute to the smog problem.
• Limit the use of gasoline-powered equipment, such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, power trimmers, and shredders. Operating a gasoline-powered lawnmower for one hour produces the same amount of pollution as driving a car! Try using non-motorized or battery-powered equipment instead.
• Mow your lawn in the evening when the sunlight is not as strong, and smog is less likely to form

Particulate levels are expected to remain elevated through Friday, June 9, Ohio EPA says.

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