Air quality affected by haze

Air quality alerts issued by the Wyoming Air Quality Division and National Weather Service covered much of Crook County at the beginning of the week, caused by wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada and across from fires burning in the west.

The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that, during times of air quality alert, anyone who may be susceptible should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities. This includes the elderly, young children and people with respiratory problems.

Prolonged exposure is also not advised no matter your age or health.

The smoke contains multiple pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone.

The federal AirNow air quality monitors that cover this area, which are located in Gillette and Spearfish, have shown worsening conditions since the latter part of the weekend.

AirNow’s mapping system shows that the air quality issues across the northern portion of Wyoming are from moderate levels of particulate matter. This is defined by the EPA as a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, some of which can be large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye, such as dust or smoke.

The specific type of particle pollution affecting this area is “fine inhalable particles,” which are generally 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Fine particles are the main cause of reduced visibility in parts of the U.S. and can also be inhaled, causing health problems; at 2.5 micrometers, they are able to get deep into your lungs and even your bloodstream.

As fire season continues across North America, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking steps to protect yourself when air quality is low during fire season:

If you have heart or lung conditions, speak with your healthcare provider to make plans

Invest in a supply of nonperishable foods that don’t need to be cooked, because this can add to indoor pollution levels, especially frying or broiling

Consider buying an air cleaner that can reduce particle levels indoors. Check the specifications to ensure they are the right type and size for your rooms and avoid air cleaners that generate ozone.

Consider having a supply of N-95 or P-100 face masks on hand. They can be found at many hardware and home repair stores and online. Dust and surgical masks are not sufficient to protect from the fine particles in wildfire smoke.

Take it easy during smoky periods. Avoid prolonged or vigorous outdoor activity if it looks or smells smoky outside, or if the AirNow monitor indicates air quality is low.

If you must be active outdoors, pay attention to any symptoms, which are an indication you need to reduce exposure.

If you are advised to stay indoors, take steps to keep your home as clean as possible by keeping windows and doors closed (unless it’s extremely hot outside and you do not have an air conditioner), running your air conditioner while keeping the filter clean and opening windows to air out the house when air quality improves.

Try to keep particle levels down indoors by avoiding the use of anything that burns, including gas stoves and candles. Don’t vacuum, as this stirs up particles, and don’t smoke.

Create a “clean room” in your home. Choose a room with as few windows and doors as possible and no fireplace and keep a portable air cleaner in the room.