DEQ is lifting an Air Quality Forecast and Caution

DEQ is lifting an Air Quality Forecast & Caution Date/Time Issued: Tuesday, August 23, 2016/09:00    a.m. Next Update: As necessary [Choose a.m. or p.m.]

Due to lessening wildfire impacts, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted the Air Quality Forecast and Caution for residents of Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Benewah and Shoshone Counties and is notifying them of.    improved air quality.  Air quality is currently in  the GOOD category for all areas. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). Wildfires are still active in the region. Stay aware of changing air quality conditions.

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is good, air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

Open burning restrictions have been lifted in accordance to Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550). The fire safety burn bans in Kootenai County and the Silver Valley area of Shoshone County are still in effect. Contact your local fire protection district for further information.

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.