Hundreds of thousands of people in communities across southeastern Nebraska have been issued an air quality alert and advised to stay inside by the National Weather Service (NWS), as it warns that elevated levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5)—caused by smoke—has created “unhealthy” air.
This is especially a problem for those in sensitive groups, which include the elderly, children, and people with existing heart and lung conditions.
The Areas Affected
According to the air quality alert issued by the NWS, counties and cities across southeastern Nebraska are expected to face polluted air through Sunday morning, including Dodge, Washington, Butler, Saunders, Douglas, Sarpy, Seward, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, and Richardson counties, and the cities of Fremont, Blair, David City, Wahoo, Ashland, Yutan, Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Seward, Milford, Lincoln, Plattsmouth, Nebraska City, Crete, Wilber, Fairbury, Beatrice, Tecumseh, Sterling, Auburn, Pawnee City, Table Rock, and Falls City.
People in sensitive groups who are living around Butler, Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, and Washington are expected to be particularly affected.
Why Is Air Quality Poor in Nebraska?
The NWS, in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, has confirmed that smoke from “prescribed fires” and wind direction are causing levels of PM2.5 to rise to “unhealthy” levels for people in sensitive groups.
PM2.5 is considered to be one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution because the particles are so fine—smaller than the width of a single strand of hair—they can be unknowingly inhaled, traveling deep into the lungs or bloodstream, triggering or exacerbating symptoms and health issues.
Health Advice for Those Exposed to Unhealthy Air
While most of the population in the affected parts of Nebraska is unlikely to experience adverse health effects from the polluted air, those in sensitive groups may begin to feel side effects, such as chest tightness, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and shortness of breath. There is also a concern that the polluted air could worsen existing health conditions, possibly resulting in hospitalization.
Therefore, it’s advised that people in these groups should try to limit their exposure to the unhealthy air until conditions improve. They should reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities and try to keep the air indoors—including in their homes—as clean as possible. To do this, they should avoid burning candles, incense, or wood stoves and indoor fires, use air purifiers or filters to help circulate clean air, and keep their doors and windows closed.
