Here's how to stay safe with poor air quality this summer in Sheboygan

SHEBOYGAN – Staying aware of local air quality conditions can help inform whether to spend time outside as weather heats up.

Air quality issues during the summer persist in Sheboygan and other communities across the state, largely impacted by mobile sources, like cars and trucks. Wisconsin has also been impacted by power plant emissions from Midwest states, like Illinois and Indiana.

Levels of ground-level ozone, designated as one of six common air pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, can rise when compounded by heat and sunlight. Children, older adults and individuals with heart or lung disease may be sensitive as these conditions worsen.

The Sheboygan area has recorded a handful of days for the past several years that exceed the federal ozone standard, with air quality tending to improve farther inland from the lakeshore.

With monitoring sites at the Kohler-Andrae State Park and in Haven, data from March to October 2023 tracked 18 days that exceeded the eight-hour ozone standard of 70 ppm. So far, this monitoring season has tracked three days that have exceeded the standard, too.

Sheboygan has already recorded air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups

The Air Quality Index gives guidance on when physical activity outdoors is safe for healthy and sensitive groups based on air conditions, with levels ranging from “Good” to “Hazardous.”

In the past month, Sheboygan County's air has reached “Moderate” and “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” a combined seven times as a result of ozone levels.

Timely air quality conditions for an area can be found on AirNow and many weather applications.

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Different groups should avoid being outside as air quality worsens

Avoiding exercise or heavy exertion outside can be a sufficient way to protect health when levels are below “Unhealthy” or “Very Unhealthy,” which are among the top three worst categories.

If particle concentration reaches those high levels, wearing a N95 or surgical mask can help block out pollutants. Going outside should be avoided, except in critical situations. Central air units should be utilized when staying indoors for air filtration. Using an indoor air purifier that doesn’t make ozone can keep indoor conditions cleaner, too.

Have a story tip? Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner.