Air quality alert issued for Wisconsin
The Capital Times — 1/22/2009 8:50 am
An air quality watch has been issued for the entire state of Wisconsin through noon Friday because of elevated levels of fine particle pollution.
The watch was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The air quality index, a measure of ozone and fine particle pollution, is expected to reach the orange level for fine particle pollution, which is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups, including those with heart or lung disease or asthma, older adults and children.
People in sensitive groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities during the watch.
Fine particle pollution is microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets and smoke particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller, primarily coming from combustion sources such as power plants, factories and industrial sources, vehicle exhaust and outdoor fires.
The DNR said actions that could be taken to reduce fine particle pollution include reducing driving, not leaving vehicles idling, postponing activities that use equipment with small engines, minimizing outdoor wood fires, and conserving electricity.
To get air quality advisories by e-mail, go to http://dnr.wi.gov/air/newsletters/.
