By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A smoky haze that blanketed the region for much of Tuesday threatens to exacerbate health issues for people with respiratory diseases and pulmonary issues, health officials say.
The gray fog has descended on the Rockford region from the hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada, and its effects are expected to linger throughout Wednesday. (Update: The air quality alert was extended through Thursday.) The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert, urging people with pulmonary or respiratory diseases such as asthma to avoid long or intense outdoor activity. Healthy people are also still encouraged to limit their time outdoors.
“You look out the window and you’d almost think it is fog,” said Morgan Wagner, a respiratory therapist at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. “We went outside and you could almost smell the smoke in the air. It smelled liked a bonfire.”
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The weather service’s air quality alert is in effect through midnight on Wednesday. The Rockford region had an Air Quality Index hovering around 200 at 3 p.m. Wednesday, which puts it on the cusp between what’s considered unhealthy and very unhealthy.
When the AQI ranges between 201 and 300, the air quality is considered unhealthy for everyone. When it’s between 101-150, that’s considered unhealthy for people with respiratory issues.
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Wagner said she has encouraged her patients to limit their time outside and wear a mask if they need to be outdoors.
“If you have preexisting lung conditions it can be very serious,” Wagner said. “It can cause a severe flare up of COPD or asthma or other respiratory ailments.”
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing and a tightness in the chest or cough, Wagner said. Those who experience that should get indoors as soon as possible and use a rescue inhaler if needed. If that doesn’t alleviate it, you may need to see a doctor or go to the emergency room.
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The Winnebago County Health Department said that when pollutants get into the air, larger particles can cause eye, nose and throat issues, while smaller particles can get deeper into the lungs. Those smaller particles can cause reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma issues and increased risk of heart disease.
“People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children are most at risk, but everyone can take steps to reduce exposure to polluted air,” the health department said.
The air quality is expected to improve slightly by Wednesday, but it could still be potentially harmful for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory issues.
You can follow the latest air quality report at airnow.gov.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas