FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2023

City of Milwaukee Health Department Issues Air Quality Alert

MILWAUKEE – The city of Milwaukee and surrounding areas are currently under an air quality advisory, due to the presence of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently in the Purple “Very Unhealthy” category, which means all members of the general public may experience health effects, including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. Those with existing medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and COPD are at a higher risk and should take precautions seriously.

To stay safe during this time, everyone in the Milwaukee area should:

• Avoid all outdoor activities and stay inside as much as possible
• Close your windows and doors
• Implement high efficiency air filters indoors, if available
• Wear an N95 mask if you have to be outside, especially those with existing medical conditions
• Check on your friends, family, and neighbors, especially older adults and pregnant people, to ensure their safety

Additional updates are available at AirNow.gov and guidance can be accessed in the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution.

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