An air quality alert remains in effect for areas across South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada has settled in. The alert is in effect through Tuesday (May 14, 2024) or until conditions improve.
The South Dakota Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Health say the smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter pollution at levels that may be a concern to public health.
Data for the Pierre/Fort Pierre area as of 8am CT showed the air quality is in the “moderate” category. By definition, that means the “air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.” Similar readings also registered in the Vermillion and Black Hawk areas.
Also at 8am CT, Brookings was in the “unhealthy” category while Watertown and the Wind Cave area were in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Rapid City and the Badlands in the Interior area were near the line between “moderate” and “unhealthy for sensitive groups” categories.
DOH and DANR say all people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
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