While some metrics are in better shape than years past, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Air is anticipating a rough few weeks ahead.
According to Bureau Director Rick Brunetti who recently spoke with KVOE News, the state of Kansas is facing a “triple whammy” when it comes to air quality. He says wildfires have been occurring with great frequency in Canada as well as the northwest and southwest corners of the United States.
What this means for Kansas is no matter what the meteorology holds, the state is catching excess smoke from at least one area at a time. Brunetti says the only region not drifting smoke to the area is directly south, however, that does not mean there aren’t still concerns.
Even if we were to see some relief from wildfire smoke Brunetti says an impending heatwave could lead to the development of “ground-level ozone” also known as smog in the coming days.
For those with allergy sensitivity or pre-existing breathing conditions such as asthma, Brunetti says they should try to limit time outdoors, especially in the midday hours, as much as possible. If you have to be outdoors, he suggests wearing a mask, being in a well-ventilated area or taking breaks in such areas as often as is possible.
On a positive note, Brunetti says ozone levels are in better shape than they have been in the past, however, he says that could change come next month as August is typically the biggest indicator as to how heavily air quality may be impacted later in the year.
