Silver Valley Air Quality downgraded further to Unhealthy

PINEHRUST– As of Monday, Aug. 13 at 4 p.m., The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality reports that the air quality rating in the Silver Valley has been downgraded further to “Unhealthy.”

The Panhandle Health District has also issues a wildfire smoke advisory for all of North Idaho.

This “Unhealthy” status means that everyone may begin to experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health issues.

Older adults, pregnant women, children and those with pre-existing respiratory issues or heart disease are often more affected by these conditions.

Those who fall into the “sensitive group” should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and watch for symptoms such as couching or shortness of breath. Those with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart diseases that experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may have a serious problem and should contact their health care provider.

During this period of heightened poor air quality, PHD recommends that everyone:

- Avoid heavy work or exercise outdoors.

- Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate. For homes without a central heating and/or cooling system, use portable air purifiers to remove particles.

- Limit time outdoors, especially if you have respiratory conditions or heart disease.

- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps dilute phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough out smoke particles.

- Seek medical treatment for uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, choking, or if you have difficulty breathing once you move back indoors.

According to satellite images of the pacific north west (see photo), much of the smoke in our area is coming from wildfires burning in Central Washington– but other fires burning across Idaho and Montana are contributing to the haze as well.

Major, uncontained wildfires in or near Shoshone County include:

- Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District- Rampike fire, 978 acres. Surprise Creek fire, 1472 acres.

- St. Joe River Ranger District- Snow Peak, 30 acres.

The Silver Valley collects its air quality data from the DEQ air monitoring station in Pinehurst.

Smoky air is considered to be a form of particle pollution and it can be harmful to your health.

Particle pollution has been linked to a number of health problems including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and even death.

The DEQ rates air quality using a series of numerical values.

0-50 is good and 51-100 is moderate, but after 100 things get dangerous and there are specific warnings that apply to people with varying sensitivity.

Air quality is forecasted to continue to be degraded for the next several days. PHD and IDEQ will continue to monitor air quality conditions and will issue additional advisories as conditions warrant.

To see the live air-quality map, visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov.