PINEHURST— As of Monday, Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m.m The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reports that the air quality rating in the Silver Valley is at “Moderate.”

This means that although the general public should not be affected, those with allergies to smoke or any sort of breathing conditions may experience negative health effects.

Across the state line in Montana, air quality in Thompson Falls has been downgraded to “unhealthy.”

Areas currently reporting “Very Unhealthy” levels are Sandpoint, Idaho and Missoula, Mont.

During this period of heightened poor air quality, the DEQ recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, shortening the time of such activities, or canceling those activities all together.

According to satellite images of our region, much of the smoke in our area is coming from the 20,000 acre Mt. Jolly fire near Cle Elumm, Washinging.

Fires burning in California, Montana, and Idaho also are adding to the haze as well.

The Silver Valley collects its air quality data from the DEQ air monitoring station in Pinehurst.

Smoky air is considered to be a form of particle pollution and it can be harmful to your health.

Particle pollution has been linked to a number of health problems including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and even death.

The DEQ rates air quality using a series of numerical values.

0-50 is good and 51-100 is moderate, but after 100 things get dangerous and there are specific warnings that apply to people with varying sensitivity.

The full chart describing these ratings accompanies this story and can be referenced.

To see the live air-quality map, visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov.