The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), alerts Nebraskans to potential smoke impacts during the spring, when ranchers in the Flint Hills region of Kansas and Oklahoma, and elsewhere throughout the region conduct prescribed burns.

Ranchers and land managers conduct prescribed burns to preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Redcedar and Sumac, and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also minimizes wildfire risk and is effective in managing rangeland resources.

However, with spring winds, smoke from these burns can impact Nebraska’s air quality by increasing particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, also known as PM2.5. NDEE works with DHHS, the National Weather Service and others to predict if burning and weather conditions will carry smoke to Nebraska. If so, NDEE works with DHHS and local health departments across the state to issue a smoke advisory.

Smoke advisories help citizens protect their health by alerting them to days when outdoor activities should be reduced or avoided to minimize smoke exposure. Data provided by sources in the region, smoke plume modeling, and NDEE’s air quality monitors help determine if smoke impacts are likely.

NDEE and DHHS use the Air Quality Index from airnow.gov to describe predicted air quality and provide steps Nebraskans can take to protect their health. Those with cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses, children, the elderly, and pregnant people are at greater risk of adverse health effects from smoke impacts. Symptoms of adverse reactions to smoke can include:

· Coughing
· A scratchy throat
· Irritated sinuses
· Shortness of breath
· Chest pain
· Headaches
· Stinging Eyes
· A Runny nose

By evaluating air quality and providing smoke advisories, NDEE gives Nebraskans the information they need to protect their health.