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Working outdoors amid air quality concerns
The Air Quality Index showed "unhealthy" conditions in Milwaukee, Wednesday. Construction workers aren't strangers to braving the elements, but some said they could gradually feel the impact get worse.
MILWAUKEE - Air quality improvements are expected as southeast Wisconsin wraps up the week. For now, though, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is showing "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" conditions in Milwaukee and Waukesha respectively.
Construction workers aren't strangers to braving the elements, but some said they could gradually feel the impact get worse.
"The conditions are what they are, and you adjust or adapt to them on a daily basis," said electrician Matt Hulbert.
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Hulbert said, in his 27 years as an electrician, he's pretty much worked in it all – rain, snow, hail – but working outside during the smoky conditions is something new from him and many others with outdoor jobs.
"Later in the day, you know, I could feel it in my chest," he said. "It felt like you smoked a bunch of cigarettes."
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Canada wildfire smoke in Milwaukee
Smoke from wildfires in Canada lingers over Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Although Hulbert does feel the impact, he is also focused on getting the job done. He said plenty of water and taking breaks should help those who have to spend time outside.
"All day yesterday, I mean a lot of coughing – and I don’t usually cough," said construction worker Andre Perry Sr.
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources experts said a few tips to avoid those impacts from the unhealthy air include staying inside and limiting strenuous activity. When the job requires both, workers' only choice is to adapt.
Waukesha air quality, Canada wildfires: 'It's like there's a fog'
For a second day in a row, some of the worst air in the country was in Waukesha County. Officials say a combination of several factors is resulting in record-breaking consequences.
"Today we are laying some sod, and then we are going to be a little more landscaping," said landscaper Rico Gonzalez. He's thankful he hasn't noticed any differences in his health while working outdoors. "Job's gotta get done somehow."
The FOX6 Weather Experts said, by Friday, the area should reach moderate to low levels much more typical of this time of the year. Track the forecast easily when you visit the FOX6Now.com Weather page.
Cancellations due to air quality
Heart(beats) of the City at Red Arrow Park
The Zach Pietrini Band will not play on Wednesday, June 28 – and will be rescheduled for a later date. Limited food trucks will still be available on Water Street at Red Arrow Park for grab-and-go lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heart(beats) of the City will resume at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 with Alyssia Dominguez.