5 Tips for Staying Safe In Poor Air Quality
Post Date: Aug 15, 2024
Preventative Care
Each summer of record wildfires has heightened our awareness of air quality and how it impacts our health, especially for those already at higher risk for adverse health impacts. Wildfires, dust, auto pollution, particles from a wood stove, and garbage burning can all contribute to poor air quality, making fresh mountain air scarce in Montana from time to time.
Being aware of the Montana air quality and how to respond can help you stay safe when haze, pollen, and smoke take over the skies.
Here are five tips for staying healthy when Montana air quality becomes hazardous.
#1: Understand Air Quality Metrics
The threshold of safe air quality will vary from person to person. The air quality index (AQI) is a way of measuring pollutants in the air. The scale ranges from 0 to 500, with 0 being clear air and 500 being the most polluted. An AQI of 105-150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Some sensitive groups include children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions like asthma, other respiratory issues, and heart conditions. In general, anyone under 18, over 65, and/or with a pre-existing medical condition is considered to be in a sensitive group. If you’re not sure about your personal risk factors, make an appointment to talk with a healthcare provider at a Community Health Partners clinic to learn more about protecting yourself from air pollution.
According to the Columbia Climate School, anything between 151 and 200 on the air quality index is considered unhealthy for anyone. Above 200, levels go up to very unhealthy or even hazardous.
#2: Use Online Tools to Check Montana Air Quality
There are plenty of online resources for checking Montana air quality. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has an online air quality monitoring tool. The federal government provides air quality information online, too.
#3: Keep an Eye Out for Common Symptoms
That tickle in your throat, burning eyes, cough, and difficulty breathing could signal that you’ve spent too much time in unhealthy air. Particle pollution exposure can lead to coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue, especially in people with respiratory issues.
Others may be affected in different ways or show no outward respiratory symptoms at all when they’ve been exposed to an excess of pollutants. But, just because someone’s not coughing doesn’t mean they’re not impacted. People with cardiovascular conditions have been known to experience heart attacks linked to overexposure to particle pollutants, and some may experience other health issues down the line.
#4: Avoid Certain Outdoor Activities in Poor Air Quality
Some outdoor activities as low in intensity as camping or yard work may have a negative impact on an individual’s health. Just by being outside longer than your system can tolerate, outdoor activities of any kind may become a no-go during periods of poor air quality. Even going for a walk can be too much exertion depending on the amount of particles in the air and your sensitivity level. During times of poor air quality, avoid spending time outdoors, especially doing activities that cause you to breathe heavily.
#5: Learn Ways to Stay Active Indoors
During wildfire season, it can be frustrating to miss out on your favorite outdoor activities. And we all know that physical activity is generally good for your health. But in poor air quality, recreating or exercising outdoors can actually cause more harm than good. So have a few indoor activities in your arsenal that can keep you active.
Seek out a membership with a gym or community center so you can walk indoors on the treadmill, lift weights or take fitness classes.
Go for a walk at your local mall or shopping center instead of heading outside.
Do some at-home YouTube fitness videos with Nourish Move Love or virtual yoga classes from Yoga with Adriene.
Explore other indoor workout alternatives.
Indoor air passes through ventilation systems and filters, so even having your windows open on a bad air day can expose you to too many nasty particles. Being proactive with prevention is the best defense against polluted air.
To receive Montana air quality recommendations tailored to your personal health, discuss your unique situation with a healthcare provider. For more information on ways to maintain your health and wellness, get in touch with a CHP clinic in Bozeman, Belgrade, or Livingstonfor an affordable appointment that offers quality medical care.