OAK CREEK, Wis. — Poor air quality is impacting people across Wisconsin as smoke from Canadian fires blankets Southeastern Wisconsin. It is forcing many families to switch their outdoor plans to indoors.

Jennifer Niespodziani and her family were supposed to spend Tuesday at the zoo but opted to switch their plans because of the air quality.

“I’ve got the week off and we were looking for something fun to do with our son, Henry so that was the plan for the day and once we heard about the air quality we thought we better find something indoors. We are lucky we found We Rock The Spectrum in Oak Creek,” said Niespodziani.

Niespodziani is thankful for the indoor play option for a few reasons.

“[My son] Henry is only three, and I am lucky enough to be expecting our second child in November, so I am very cautious about the air quality,” said Niespodziani.

Several families we met at We Rock The Spectrum were in a similar situation. Elisabeth Carufel, a manager at We Rock The Spectrum, said because of the poor air quality, they were seeing a steady stream of new customers.

“We have been seeing a lot more people come in, especially people who’ve never been to the gym who are looking for a nice, clean option. We even had a couple from Illinois who were on their way south from Door County who stopped by, and said even in Door County, the air quality was really bothering them, and they were thankful for a spot to stop and have the kids play indoors,” said Carufel. 

With the poor air quality expected to stick around the next couple of days, Dr. Roger Boye, a pulmonologist with Ascension Wisconsin shared some advice.

“The air quality is bad right now and this affects people with underlying lung problems such as asthma and COPD but also the elderly and the young, particularly children and teenagers," Boye said. "With the current air quality, it is recommended not to engage in any strenuous outdoor activities. They will want to find activities indoors, the more activity you engage in outdoors the more bad air you breathe in.”

Dr. Boye said other symptoms from the poor air quality can include, eye irritation and discomfort in the throat. 

“If you have to go out in these conditions, it is recommended you wear an N-95 face mask, the regular face mask won’t have any benefits,” said Dr. Boye. 

Dr. Boye also said keeping your windows closed and using an air purifier can help when the air quality is poor. He also recommends that people check airnow.gov for the latest air quality conditions.