Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department issues air quality advisory for smoke [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department issued on Friday an air quality advisory due to smoke from wildfires in central and western Canada that has the potential to impact Lancaster County throughout the weekend. Smoke from these fires may reach levels that are unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, and other respiratory or heart conditions.

“There are currently several large wildfires burning scattered throughout central and western Canada, and smoke from those fires is expected to move into central and eastern U.S. this weekend,” said Gary Bergstrom, air quality section supervisor with LLCHD. “The severity of air quality is difficult to predict, but smoke in Lancaster County may reach levels that are unhealthy for everyone. The highest potential for smoke impacts is expected Saturday evening through noon on Sunday.”

Breathing smoke can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause …