Stage 1 air quality alert Custer county

 

DEQ is issuing an Air Quality Forecast & Caution Date/Time Issued: Friday, August 05, 2016/10 a.m. Next Update: Monday, August 08, 2016/10 a.m.

Due to significant wild fire smoke impacts, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Custer county of degraded air quality.  Air quality is currently in the UNHEALTHY category and is forecast to remain in the Unhealthy to Moderate. 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 in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Idaho Falls at (208) 528-2650. 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.