Dr. Michael Mendoza, Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Issues Air Quality Recommendations
As our community adapts to wildfire smoke events, it is important to continue enjoying outdoor activities when it is safe to do so. Keep in mind that what may be safe for some individuals may not be safe for others. Air quality and its impact on human health can vary greatly depending on individual risk factors.
When the Air Quality Index is between 151-200 in Monroe County, the Department of Public Health offers the following recommendations:
Know your risk factors and follow the appropriate guidance. Children under age 18, adults 65 years and older, and people with heart or lung disease are considered to be the most sensitive to unhealthy air. Outdoor workers and pregnant women may also need to be more cautious. If you are unsure of your risk factors, please consult with a trusted healthcare professional.
Summer camps, youth sports, etc. should conduct less intense outdoor activities and provide frequent breaks for youth participants. Staff should watch children carefully for signs of distress to identify individuals who are more sensitive, as well as ensure immediate access to medications for children and staff with asthma.
When the Air Quality Index is between 201-300 in Monroe County, the Department of Public
Health offers the following recommendations:
Know your risk factors and follow the appropriate guidance. Children under age 18, adults 65 years and older, and people with heart or lung disease are considered to be the most sensitive to unhealthy air. Outdoor workers and pregnant women may also need to be more cautious. If you are unsure of your risk factors, please consult with a trusted healthcare professional.
Summer camps, youth sports, etc. should move all outdoor youth programs and activities indoors or reschedule.
Cancel competitive sports and other events involving intense activity, regardless of age group.
Organizers of outdoor events that do not involve intense activity (e.g. concerts, garden tours, etc.) should consider providing high quality masks, shortening the timeframe of the event, or taking other actions to reduce exposure to unhealthy air.
When the Air Quality Index is greater than 300 in Monroe County, the Department of Public Health offers the following recommendations:
Know your risk factors and follow the appropriate guidance. Children under age 18, adults 65 years and older, and people with heart or lung disease are considered to be the most sensitive to unhealthy air. Outdoor workers and pregnant women may also need to be more cautious. If you are unsure of your risk factors, please consult with a trusted healthcare professional.
Organizers should cancel all outdoor events, regardless of the activity level.
Employers should consider air quality in indoor workplaces and take measures to protect workers if needed.
Employers should consider reducing or restricting outdoor work activities.
Since air quality can vary by location and time of day, we encourage everyone to regularly monitor local air quality and take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. There are a number of ways to monitor air quality, such as AirNow.gov and other apps, the\ National Weather Service forecast, your local news station and our website, www.MonroeCounty.gov.
