Air Quality Advisory

Air Quality Advisory

Tuesday, 7/19/11

Fires in Canada are creating elevated levels of smoke and hazy conditions in Grand Portage. Smoke contains small particulates, and the monitor located at Trust Lands measures levels of particulates in the air on an hourly basis. The amount of these particulates in the air has spiked since 9:00 last night to levels that could have negative health impacts on young children, elders, and those with asthma or respiratory illness. Beginning at 2:00 AM today, the particulates reached a level where everyone may begin to experience health effects and sensitive individuals may experience serious health effects.

Possible Health Effects from Fire Smoke

· Eye and throat irritation

· Respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath

· Aggravation of asthma and heart or lung disease

Precautions You Can Take to Limit Health Effects

· Everyone, especially children, the elderly and other sensitive individuals should avoid vigorous exercise outdoors.

· Avoid drawing smoky air indoors: use an air conditioner if you have one and keep it on the recycle/recirculate mode. If you are using a fan, place them away from a window, where they would draw in smoky air.

Call Yvette at 475-2027 if you have any questions.