(GREAT FALLS) Summer heat combined with wildfires burning in Montana and other Western states has resulted in widespread hazy skies.
Wednesday’s air quality in Great Falls is rated "moderate" by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, meaning that unusually sensitive people should limit the length and intensity of outdoor activities. If you experience coughing or shortness of breath, take it easier. Avoiding spending time outside when the air quality is poor will help protect your heart.
The DEQ rates air quality based on the amount of particulate matter (PM) in the air, which is often caused by smoke from wildfires. In addition to being emitted from wildfires, PM can also come directly from other sources, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, and smokestacks. The EPA says that PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.
Most of the state is rated "moderate" today. There are several exceptions, however. Parts of the Flathead Valley and Thompson Falls are rated "orange," which means the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Libby and West Yellowstone are currently in the "red" zone, which means that active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Here are the ratings and their corresponding color codes, listed in order of increasing danger or health risks:
- Good (green): No negative health effects.
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange): Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion.
- Unhealthy (red): Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in the general population. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.
- Very Unhealthy (Purple): Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant risk of respiratory effects in the general population. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion.
- Hazardous (maroon): Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; serious risk of respiratory effects in the general population. Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion;
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