Smoke from fires affecting air quality

With hundreds of acres actively burning in Idaho, chances are you noticed smoke in the air if you stepped outside today.

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality experts projected an “upper moderate” air quality rating and say the quality of the air fluctuates throughout the day.

As overnight winds blow smoke from those fires into the valley and temperatures drop, the smoke gets trapped. That make’s late nights and early mornings the worst times for air quality.

Jan Lynn from the American Lung Association says poor air quality can be a health hazard, especially for certain people.

“For Anyone with asthma or COPD, or children whose lungs are not fully developed, or elderly folks, you really need to be careful,” Flynn said.

Even if you don’t see any smoke, Flynn says the air can still be harmful to your lungs.

“It’s tough because it’s summertime and kids want to play outdoors, but those are the ones who are very vulnerable, so you want to limit their outdoor activity.”

Some dedicated outdoor exercisers in Boise are willing to risk their chances.

“It’s not to the level where it’s really changed my habits any,” bicyclist Glen McKuin. “In fact, the haze is keeping the temperature down a little bit, so it’s not as bad as the 100-degree days.”

But professionals are still advising people- especially those with lung problems- to stay indoors until situations improve.

“You really need to be careful you don’t want to be exercising outside and if you really have a lung condition, you want to be indoors with your air conditioner on and your windows closed.”

So for now, opt for indoor dining, save the hike for another day and remember things can always be worse.

“I lived in California for a long time and it was like this every day, so I have a hard time complaining when we only have it once in a while.” Vicki Salerno said.