Media Contact:
McHenry County Department of Health
Nick Kubiak, Public Information Officer
McHenry County residents urged to take precautions as wildfire smoke impacts air quality
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — McHenry County is under an Air Quality Alert through Friday night, July 17, as wildfire smoke is expected to cause unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality conditions.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has designated today a Purple Forecast Air Pollution Action Day. Air quality is expected to remain unhealthy on Friday, which is designated as a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day. Smoke may also reduce visibility to less than one mile at times, particularly in areas north and east of Interstate 90.
AirNow uses a six-color scale to describe air quality. Green means good air quality; yellow and orange indicate increasing concern; red means the air is unhealthy; purple means very unhealthy; and maroon means hazardous. Today’s Purple designation means smoke levels are very unhealthy. Friday’s Red designation means air quality is expected to remain unhealthy, though less severe than today.
McHenry County residents should check current air-quality conditions before heading outside and limit strenuous activity while smoke conditions persist. Children and teens, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, and those who work or exercise outdoors face the greatest risk. These residents should limit time outdoors, avoid strenuous activity, and follow their health care provider’s advice.
Residents who must be outdoors should reduce the intensity and duration of activity, take frequent breaks, and consider a high-quality N95 or N100 mask to filter smoke particles. Indoors, keep windows and doors closed when possible, set air-conditioning systems to recirculate air or close the fresh-air intake, and use high-efficiency filters or portable air cleaners if available. Avoid smoking, burning candles, and other activities that add particles to indoor air.
Residents should pay attention to wheezing, coughing, elevated heart rate, tiredness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Anyone whose symptoms worsen should contact a physician or call 911.
Pets can also be affected by wildfire smoke. Keep pets indoors as much as possible, limit dogs’ outdoor time to brief bathroom breaks, and avoid strenuous exercise. Older animals and pets with heart or lung conditions are at greater risk. Contact a veterinarian if a pet develops coughing, trouble breathing, unusual fatigue, red or watery eyes, or reduced appetite.
Current forecasts, real-time air-quality conditions, and health guidance are available at AirNow.gov. Residents may also subscribe to free air-quality forecasts and alerts through AirNow’s EnviroFlash program and download the free AIRNow app for iPhone or Android.
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