From the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Idahoans are exposed to wildfire smoke from both wildfires occurring in Idaho and from wildfires in nearby states. Wildfire smoke exposure can cause both respiratory and heart problems. To protect yourself and your family review the information below about people who are most at risk from wildfire smoke, symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure and how to limit your and your family’s contact with wildfire smoke.

For more information click on the topics below.

  Sensitive Populations

  Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Sensitivity

  Ways to Reduce Smoke Exposure

• Pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Find out if your community provides reports about the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). Also pay attention to public health messages about taking additional safety measures.

• Refer to visibility guides if they are available. Not every community monitors the amount of particles that are in the air. In the western part of the United States, some communities have guidelines to help people estimate the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on how far they can see.

• If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot inside. Run a filtered air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere. For example, go to a local mall, movie theater, library or some area that can provide temporary relief from the smoke. 

• Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Avoid frying or broiling when cooking. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

• Do not add to outdoor air pollution. When smoke levels are high, try to limit activities that add to poor air quality. For example, do not burn wood or other materials that will add smoke to the air. Try to limit using gas lawnmowers and driving your car during poor air quality days. Consider taking the bus or carpooling to limit air pollution.

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps dilute phlegm in the respiratory tract making it easier to cough smoke particles out. Plan on coughing, it is nature's way of clearing your lungs. Avoid caffeine products, sugary drinks and alcohol as they have a dehydrating effect. 

• Avoid outdoor exercise or other strenuous activities on poor air quality days. Both adults and children should limit outdoor activities when smoke levels are a concern. 

• Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Keep at least a 5-day supply of medications on hand. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

• If you wear contact lenses, switch to eyeglasses in a smoky environment. 

• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. For more information about effective masks, see the Respirator Fact Sheetprovided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

  Portable Air Cleaners

  Emergency Go Bag