Residents in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota have been advised to stay indoors as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into the region, pushing air quality levels from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy” in some areas.

Why It Matters

Poor air quality can worsen heart conditions or even trigger respiratory health conditions like asthma, and sensitive groups, such as pregnant women and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable. It can also impact outdoor work, like farming, and disrupt travel, if conditions worsen.

What To Know

AirNow—which is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—reports on air quality levels, using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which categorizes air quality according to levels of concern, from “Good” to “Hazardous.” For example, “Good” air quality ranges

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