Idaho DEQ Air Quality Forecast and Caution

DEQ is issuing an Air Quality Forecast & Caution Date/Time Issued:       8/17/2015 12:00 PM Next Update:               8/20/2015 12:00 PM

Due to wildfire smoke, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Boundary, Bonner Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah Counties  of periodic degraded air quality.  Air quality currently ranges from the GOOD category to MODERATE across north Idaho and can degrade rapidly due to the high number of wildfires currently active in northern Idaho. 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

Currently Stage 2 burn restrictions are in effect for north Idaho.  For more information on burn restrictions visit the Idaho Fire information blog at http://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com/p/fire-restrictions.html.

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Coeur d'Alene at (208) 769-1422. 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.