Submitted Art The Air Quality Index is a color-coded tool to help understand what the air quality means for a person’s health.

BISMARCK – As summer brings higher temperatures, increased wildfire activity and the potential for wildfire smoke, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality urges residents to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) to protect their health – especially those with respiratory conditions, older adults, young children and other sensitive groups.

According to NDDEQ, the Air Quality Index is a tool used to report daily air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be a concern

The department continuously monitors air quality through a statewide network of sampling stations. This real-time data is shared with the national ambient air monitoring system and is available on online. While the NDDEQ issues news releases for specific smoke events, conditions vary over time and location.

If you see or smell smoke, ways to protect your health include:

– Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.

– Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor

– Set air conditioners or vehicle vents to recirculate indoor air.

Health impacts can vary depending on AQI levels and individual health status. Sensitive individuals may experience symptoms even when AQI levels are considered “moderate.” If air quality reaches the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or “unhealthy” categories, consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Because wildfire smoke and air quality can change rapidly due to shifting winds and active fire behavior, residents are encouraged to stay informed and make decisions based on up-to-date data and their own health status.

For those participating in outdoor events, practices or other activities, contact your local event administrators regarding decisions about cancellations or rescheduling.