Public health cautions residents about air quality

With fires raging across the U.S., air quality in Montana has been marred by fluctuating levels of smoke across the state, which has prompted the Hill County Health Department to issue a warning that people should be careful about how current air quality can affect their health.

Hill County Public Health Director Kim Berg said even if people can't smell smoke, that doesn't mean it's not there, and even if there's not much of it, it's still not safe to inhale.

"Breathing in wildfire smoke is never safe," Berg said.

She said people should keep their eyes on local air quality, pay attention to their surroundings generally and listen to recommendations from public and environmental health regarding what they should do to protect themselves.

A release from the health department earlier this week said residents and visitors are encouraged to check air quality regularly and follow the guidelines associated with the air quality levels.

Monday's release said air quality alerts had been issued for Beaverhead, Blaine, Broadwater, Cascade, Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Golden Valley, Granite, Hill, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Lincoln, Madison, Meagher, Mineral, Missoula, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Teton, Toole, Wheatland and Yellowstone counties.

"Exposure to wildfire pollutants can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, alter immune function and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, including COVID-19," the release said. "Populations known to be most vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposure include children, senior citizens, pregnant people, people with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease - including asthma and diabetes - and outdoor workers."

The release says other factors that may contribute to increased vulnerability include homelessness and limited access to medical care and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing are common to both wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19.

"If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, you should seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or calling ahead to the nearest emergency facility," the release says.

Berg said Wednesday that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality has an interactive map on its website which includes a breakdown of the various areas of Montana, their current air quality and what people need to do to protect their health at https://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair .

Berg said Hill County used to have its own temporary air quality monitor but DEQ had to remove it due to malfunctions so the nearest one is in Cut Bank.

She said DEQ will be installing a new permanent monitor soon, but it was not ready before this fire season, so, in the meantime, her department is relying on data from Cut Bank's monitor as well as visibility readings from the Havre-Hill County Airport.

She said this data can be useful, but it's important to keep in mind that air quality in any given area can change quickly, so people should be vigilant and avoid strenuous activity when there's smoke in the air if they can.

Berg said if people are concerned about their health they should see their doctor immediately.