Flathead County continues to see a decline in air quality related to the large number of wildfires in the Northwest. As a result, the Flathead City-County Health Department is encouraging residents to regularly monitor air quality conditions and restrict outdoor activity accordingly.

The biggest public health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing a range of health problems. Those most at risk for health issues are the elderly, children and those with respiratory issues or heart disease.

Flathead County has an air quality monitoring station located in Columbia Falls that monitors for these fine particles. Results are posted hourly and can be found on the Health Department’s Air Quality website at flatheadhealth.org or directly to http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/

If you are unable to visit the website throughout the day, a visual guide can be downloaded and utilized to use visual distances to determine air quality levels.

Recommendations for outdoor activity based on air quality is as follows:

Good: No restrictions.

Moderate: Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion.

Unhealthy: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion.

Hazardous: Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.

When the air quality is anything other than good, watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath and reduce exertion.