IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day statewide for Friday

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM_2.5) in the air for Friday, June 9, 2023 for all Indiana counties. The stagnant weather pattern continues to move smoke from Canadian wildfires across the state.

Air quality may continue to be impacted over the weekend. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit smogwatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM_2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:

Carpool or use public transportation.
Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip.
Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time.
Avoid using gas-powered equipment.
Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting;
Use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors;
Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information.

PM_2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those people at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM_2.5 exposure. IDEM examines weather patterns and PM_2.5 readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, snow cover, higher humidity, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. To learn more about PM_2.5 or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov. About IDEM IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 2023

IDEM issues Air Quality Action Days throughout Indiana for Wednesday and Thursday

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued Air Quality Action Days (AQAD) on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and Thursday, June 8, 2023 for all Indiana counties due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Current high particulate readings exist in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Muncie.

Also, Detroit, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic states are experiencing high levels of particulate. Due to north to northeast winds, this particulate matter is expected to continue traveling through Indiana.

Air quality may continue to be impacted beyond Thursday. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit smogwatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM_2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:

Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood-fired boilers and any other unnecessary fires
Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information
Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to PM₅ and avoid exercising near busy roads
Combine errands into one trip
Avoid using gasoline-powered snow removal equipment or gas-powered recreational vehicles
Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the thermostat to 70 degrees or lower