(Seattle – Wed., Sept. 7, 2022) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe, has issued an air quality advisory on the Kootenai Reservation due to the elevated pollution levels caused by the Kootenai River Complex and regional fires. Weather forecasts indicate poor air quality will continue through Friday with a potential for decreasing air quality this weekend.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups (USG) level. Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize
exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. As
pollution levels increase, the EPA recommends that residents restrict activity
and use N95 masks.
Air pollution can harm health and may have lasting effects. To
protect vulnerable people, EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all
sources of air pollution, such as automobile exhaust, as much as possible. People who are
at greater risk from the effects of smoke include those with heart or lung
disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people. To
keep levels of smoke as low as possible indoors, create a clean room. A clean room
may be most helpful for sensitive people.
Air
quality conditions are influenced by factors such as wind, temperature, and
time of day, as well as the location, size, and control strategy for regional
wildfires. EPA scientists use weather forecasts, satellite pictures, fire
incident reports, and air quality models to forecast air quality for tribal
communities and predict when burn bans should be declared.
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