Authorities warn of dangerous air quality today

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has declared an Air Quality Action Day for today.

Heavy wildfire smoke, combined with light winds and stagnant air conditions are expected to make for high levels of fine particulates in the air making it hard to breathe for some people. That could be unhealthy for sensitive populations such as active children and adults and for those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma. If you are at risk, you should limit prolonged exposure outdoors today.

IDEM says that there are some steps you can take to help reduce the particulates in the air including walking, biking, carpooling or using public transportation. Officials say you should avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip. If you are idling for more than 30 seconds you should turn off your engine. If you need to refuel your vehicle or use gasoline powered lawn equipment, you should put that off until 7 p.m. in the evening.

The warning is in effect until midnight tonight.

You can find get more information at SmogWatch.IN.gov.