The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the Department of Health (DOH) have issued an air quality alert for South Dakota. The agencies report that hourly PM2.5 values exceeding 35 micrograms per cubic meter are considered a concern for public health.
People can monitor real-time PM2.5 concentrations through DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or the EPA’s site at https://www.airnow.gov/. Additional information explaining air quality index levels is available on the DANR site at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For guidance on outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality, schools, daycares, and summer camps can refer to a guide developed by the EPA and CDC, which is accessible at https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
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