Seeing hazy skies in Lexington? Air quality worsens as Canadian fire smoke wafts through KY
Air quality levels in Kentucky were worsening Wednesday as smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to drift through the United States.
Lexington had an air quality index of 163 at 6 a.m. Thursday, according to online data from the Environmental Protection Agency. The AQI is measured from 0 to 500, with higher numbers reflecting worse air quality.
An air quality reading between 151 and 200 falls under the red category of the index, which is described as unhealthy. The EPA said some members of the general public may experience health effects and medically at-risk people may experience more severe symptoms.
Medically at-risk people are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities or keep activities short, according to the EPA. Everyone else is encouraged to consider shortening the amount of time spent outside or choosing less strenuous activities.
The Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet requested an air quality alert to be issued for the entire state of Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service. The alert was set to last until at least midnight Thursday morning.
Bullitt, Jefferson and Oldham counties are still under an air quality alert until midnight Friday, according to the NWS.
“Everyone may experience health effects,” the NWS said in the alert. “Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.”
Sensitive groups include the elderly, children, people with lung and heart disease, and people with asthma or other breathing problems, according to the NWS.
The air quality in Lexington has progressively worsened since 7 p.m. Tuesday, when it was at 72. The AQI Wednesday peaked at 1 p.m. when it hit 180, according to the EPA.
The air quality has been in the red section of the index since 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to the EPA.
City pools closed early Wednesday due to the air quality, according to a press release sent out by the city. Yappy Hours at Jacobson Park was also canceled.
Ways to stay safe when air quality is poor
Aside from staying indoors, federal officials say there are other ways to limit poor air quality exposure when necessary, including:
- Leaving doors and windows fully closed.
- Not lighting candles or other devices that produce additional smoke.
- Running an air filter if you own one.
- Checking and replacing filters on devices, like your HVAC, in your home.
People who must be outside could also wear a respirator. The EPA says a N95 or P100 mask is recommended to reduce intake of poor air quality.
This story was originally published June 28, 2023 at 10:49 AM.
