Idaho DEQ Air Quality Forecast and Caution

DEQ issues statewide air quality advisory Wednesday, August 19, 2015 BOISE — Smoke impacts from wildfires have prompted the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to issue a statewide air quality advisory. This advisory is in effect through 2:00 pm tomorrow, at which time conditions will be evaluated again on a county‑by‑county basis. This advisory does not apply to lands within Indian reservation boundaries or to activities associated with fire suppression. “Air quality is in the Moderate to Unhealthy categories throughout most of the state and is forecast to remain that way for the next 24-36 hours,” said DEQ’s Smoke Management Program Coordinator Morrie Lewis. Under this advisory, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, recreational fires, weed control burning, and residential burning. Daily updates on air quality conditions at various locations in Idaho are available on DEQ's Air Quality Reports and Forecasts and Current Wildfire Smoke Information webpages. For areas where air quality monitors are not available, the Visibility Range and AQI Table can help determine the necessary precautions to take. For information on the health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke, visit the Department of Health and Welfare's blog. DEQ is issuing an Air Quality Forecast & Caution Date/Time Issued: Wednesday, August 19, 2015/12:00 p.m. Next Update: Thursday, August 20, 2015/2:00 p.m.

Due to widespread wildfire smoke impacts, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of the state of Idaho outside of reservation boundaries of degraded air quality.  Air quality is currently within the MODERATE to UNHEALTHY categories and is forecast to remain that way for the next 24 to 36 hours. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is unhealthy, everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups* may experience more serious effects & should avoid prolonged/heavy exertion & stay indoors. Everyone else should limit prolonged/heavy exertion & limit time outdoors.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office at www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices-issues. For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov. For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

Range Category Meaning 0 to 50 Good Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk 51 to 100 Moderate Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. 101 to 150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. 151 to 200 Unhealthy Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. 201 to 300 Very Unhealthy Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. 301 to 500 Hazardous Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.

For more information on the AQI, read EPA’s AQI brochure at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

* Sensitive groups for particulate matter include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups for ozone include those with lung disease, older adults, and children.