Smoke and particulate matter will be moving into the state on Sunday raising particulate levels to unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is issuing an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the air for Sunday, July 16, in northern Indiana including the cities of Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected regions to heed the forecast.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date.
IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce the air quality by making changes to daily habits. IDEM suggests carpooling or using 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;
PM2.5 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 PM2.5 exposure. Sensitive Groups should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors during these conditions. To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
