MOUNT VERNON – Knox County Health Commissioner Zach Green said that while the recent air quality advisories are unfortunate, they should serve as a reminder for everyone to check the air quality on a regular basis.
Green said residents should be aware of the wildfires in Canada that have caused the advisories to be issued.
“But, quite frankly, air quality can become problematic throughout the summer months, and we just go about our day and not really understand potentially the threats that are out there, especially individuals that are more sensitive to air pollution of such nature,” he said.
People who have known heart or lung issues need to be mindful, but air quality is something everyone should check regularly, he said, instead of just forgetting about it in a couple of weeks.
Green advises residents to monitor the air quality daily, using local radio, weather reports or online apps. Many individuals have smartphones, and they can set the app to send automatic notifications about the air quality and any other advisories.
He said Airnow.gov is a useful website for seeing the trends and what’s happening in the surrounding areas.
“The air quality at any given point in time can decline,” Green said.
People should have flexibility in their schedules, Green said, especially if they are in a sensitive group. By checking the air quality throughout the day, people can figure out the best times of day to go outside and tend their gardens or mow their lawns.
“It’s not necessarily putting a hold on everything in your life," he said. "It’s just being aware and picking out more appropriate times throughout the day where the air quality is more beneficial for you to address some of those additional elements."
By doing that, children and older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other ailments can take the extra precautions they need, he said. That includes taking their inhaler along with them when grocery shopping or running other errands.
People outside of those sensitive groups can live their lives normally during the forecasted “orange” air quality level unless they notice they are having difficulties.
“All of us can be walking around with any of those [conditions] that we’re not aware of yet," he said. "So that's why, regardless of if you’re in that sensitive group or not, be aware of it."
However, everyone should be more mindful of family and loved ones around them, checking on them a little more often, Green said.
.webp)
.webp)
