Canadian wildfire smoke is still affecting Wisconsin. How to keep kids and pets safe with poor air quality
Like much of the Midwest, Wisconsin's air quality is still seeing effects from Canadian wildfire smoke, with Milwaukee experiencing some of the worst air quality in the nation.
In fact, Milwaukee had the worst air quality in the U.S. on June 4 with an air quality index of 153, The New York Times reported.
While Chicago has since topped the Times' list, Milwaukee remains in second with an AQI of 136. This AQI is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards.
An air quality advisory from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources remains in effect until noon on June 5. The National Weather Service also said in a post on X that healthy residents should consider spending limited time outdoors.
While wildfire smoke can negatively impact anyone, children and pets are some of the more vulnerable groups.
As the poor air quality continues throughout the state, here's what experts recommend you should do to keep them safe:
Wildfire smoke is a "complex mixture" of pollutants shown to cause a range of health effects, according to the EPA. These effects can be "relatively minor," like eye irritation, to more serious, including premature death, the agency says.
Children are "especially vulnerable," since their lungs are still developing, the EPA says. Aside from physical health effects, the agency notes children may also experience stress and mental health problems from wildfires.
More: Milwaukee has the worst air quality in the US right now, according to The New York Times
Like humans, animals can be negatively impacted by poor air quality, AirNow.gov says. Those with heart or lung disease and older pets are "especially at risk" and should be closely monitored when air quality is poor.
Children aged 2 and older can wear masks and respirators, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health aren't made to fit young children, the CDC says. So, you should choose a mask or respirator that fits your child comfortably.
The agency also notes certain face coverings, like surgical masks or breathing through a wet cloth, will not protect kids.
According to the CDC, there are several steps you should take prior to the risk of wildfire smoke inhalation, including:
Stock up on medication if evacuation may be necessary.
Buy groceries you won't have to cook.
Talk to your child's healthcare provider, especially if they have a chronic health condition.
Once wildfire smoke hits, here's how the CDC says you can keep protecting your kids:
Check air quality reports.
Check school closings.
Limit time outdoors.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Use an HVAC system with air filter.
Use a portable air filter, if available.
Consider evacuating if your child is experiencing breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke inhalation that do not improve.
Seek medical attention immediately if they are having trouble breathing, is "very sleepy" or will not eat and drink.
You should have "high efficiency filters" before fire season starts and consider creating a "clean room" with a portable air cleaner, AirNow.gov recommends.
Here are some tips from AirNow.gov for keeping your pets safe once wildfire smoke begins:
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Bring outdoor pets into rooms with good ventiliation.
Keep indoor air clean by avoiding certain activities, like vacuuming or burning candles.
Limit time outdoors and physical activity.
Include pets in any evacuation planning, if necessary.
If your animal is showing any of the following symptoms, AirNow.gov recommends contacting your veterinarian:
Coughing
Gagging
Red or watery eyes
Nasal discharge,inflammation of throat or mouth
Reluctant to eat hard foods
Trouble breathing, includes open-mouth breathing and if they're making more noise when breathing
Fast breathing
Fatigue, weakness or disorientation
Reduced appetite
Reduced thirst
The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website.
You can also sign up for air quality advisory notices through the DNR's website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/News.html#tabx2.
More: Canadian wildfire smoke could affect Wisconsin all summer. Here's how to track air quality
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Canadian wildfire smoke: Keep kids, pets safe when air quality is poor
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