Canadian wildfire smoke causes air quality alert in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
Canadian wildfire smoke causes air quality alert in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight South Dakota Searchlight
sdgtalks
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Issues Air Quality Alert
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has issued an air quality alert for certain areas of South Dakota. This alert is in response to the smoke from wildfires in Canada that has settled in these areas.
Alert Duration
The air quality alert will remain in effect until Tuesday, or until conditions improve.
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Elderly individuals, young children, and people with respiratory problems are particularly susceptible to the effects of the smoke. However, it is advised that all individuals should take precautions during this time.
Precautionary Measures
- Avoid excessive physical exertion.
- Minimize outdoor activities, especially during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke.
- Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Health Risks
Air pollution can worsen heart and cardiovascular diseases, as well as lung conditions like asthma and COPD. Individuals with these conditions may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue when the air quality is unhealthy. It is recommended that anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should seek advice from their healthcare provider.
Air Quality Data
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides air quality data on its website for various locations in South Dakota. It is important to note that hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) values greater than 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are considered a concern to public health.
For more information, please visit the department’s website here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the following indicator:
- Hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) values greater than 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health.
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 3.9, as it indicates the level of air pollution and its potential impact on public health.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) values greater than 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) values greater than 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) values greater than 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: southdakotasearchlight.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
