Keep the air inside your homes safe this summer

Around this time each year, air quality becomes a major concern across North Idaho. As wildfires ignite across the U.S. and Canada, smoke drifts into the panhandle, casting a toxic haze over the region’s typically blue summer skies. 

Emily Flores, airshed coordinator with Idaho DEQ, wants people to stay safe during these months without sacrificing comfort. 

The main threat is fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5—tiny particles from wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, coal-burning plants, and industrial sources. Thirty times smaller than human hair, they can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream. PM 2.5 contributes to over a million deaths globally each year. 

Many people are unprepared for poor air quality beyond staying indoors, but older homes often lack adequate protection, especially sensitive groups. 

“The best tip when dealing with poor outdoor air quality is to find a space with clean air to spend your time and try not to exert yourself,” Flores said. “Create clean air spaces in your home by using good practices such as maintaining weatherization, cleaning regularly, and keeping your doors and windows closed at times of poor outdoor air quality. If that is not enough, you can try using particle filtration systems.” 

Sensitive groups include babies, the elderly, and people with asthma, heart or lung disease, allergies, diabetes, or those who spend time outdoors. 

Flores recommends weatherstripping, updating windows, or upgrading HVAC systems. For those unable to invest in new systems, she suggests a DIY solution. “Simple homemade filters can be very effective at cleaning up poor air quality caused by smoky or dusty conditions,” Flores said. “One of the most effective homemade options is the Corsi-Rosenthal Box. It is easy to find instructions on how to make one of these online.” 

The Corsi–Rosenthal Box is a cube made from four to five HVAC filters and a box fan, sealed with duct tape. It can reduce PM 2.5 levels by up to 75%. During wildfire season, it can last up to two months before the filters need to be changed; under normal conditions, up to 10. 

“Indoor air filtration can really make a difference when trying to improve the air quality in your home,” Flores said. “While there are many particle filters available on the market, many of them are expensive. Simple homemade filters can be very effective at cleaning up poor air quality caused by smoky or dusty conditions.” 

To help residents stay informed, IDEQ offers a real-time air quality monitoring system and daily forecasts. 

“On smoky days, it is best to reduce the amount of time spent outdoors,” Flores said. Keep an eye on DEQ’s Real Time Air Quality Map for an up-to-date idea of what may be happening in your area. The map is color-coded to make it easy to understand. If you cannot avoid being outdoors when conditions deteriorate, talk to your doctor about how N95 masks or respirators with proper filter choice may help protect you from particulates in the air.” 

Air quality issues also arise from seasonal and human activities. In summer and fall, wildfires and dry, windy weather stir up smoke and dust. In late fall and winter, woodstoves and slash burning contribute to pollution, especially in valleys where inversions trap smoke. 

Indoor air quality matters too. Regular cleaning, limiting scented products, and ventilating on clean-air days can help. On smoky days, close windows and use common sense. 

“I believe that people will sometimes try to be tougher than Mother Nature,” Flores said. “Remember that even short amounts of time in poor air can affect your health. That trout or that hiking trail will be there when the event has passed.” 

For more information or to check the Idaho DEQ’s Real-Time Air Quality Map, visit www.deq.idaho.gov.