Canadian wildfire smoke has caused unhealthy air quality in Bloomington-Normal, with the Ecology Action Center [EAC] in Normal recommending people stay indoors whenever possible.
Sensitive groups will feel health effects right away, and healthy groups will feel difficulty breathing and throat irritation, said the EAC.
The air quality index reading of 156 came from a monitor on the southwest side of Bloomington. Anything above 150 is considered unhealthy. The air quality index is expected to return to healthy levels at midnight.
You can view an interactive air-quality map at AirNow.gov.
“Changing wildfire seasons in Canada means air quality events like this may become more frequent in McLean County,” said the EAC.
The center said if your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, switch it to the recirculate setting for the time being. If you must go outdoors, the center said you should consider wearing an N95 mask for respiratory protection.
Residents can sign up to receive texts of unhealthy air quality alerts at the Bloomington Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE) web site.
