Andrea Diaz
Staff Writer
In recent weeks, there has been a huge decrease in air quality around Pocatello. According to East Idaho News, there is a fire known as the LNU Lightning Complex fire that has affected over three counties in California, and is blowing smoke all over the West Coast. The LNU is used for firefighters to know what fire they are to respond to quickly. According to fire.ca.gov, as of three days ago, the fire has burned up to 363,220 acres and is 98% contained.
Idaho State University students have definitely noticed the poor air quality.
“I have been having chest pains, shortness of breath and I can’t breathe out of my nose anymore,” said senior Mechanical Engineering major, Peggy Hodges.
“I have been having trouble sleeping because the air is so bad. I also feel like I’m having a panic attack constantly because I can’t take a deep breath. But that’s not the case, it’s just the bad air.”
There are many ways to measure the air quality and determine if it is safe. According to airnow.gov, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is the main measuring instrument of air quality, with several different levels. A good level has an index of 0-50 and the air poses little to no risk. A moderate level has an index of 51-100 which is acceptable air quality, however, sensitive populations may be more at risk.
When the index is at 101-150 then it is in the orange level and members of sensitive groups are more at risk of health problems, with no threat to the general public. In the red or unhealthy level the index is from 151-200 and the general public may experience health problems.
With an index of 201-300 the air is deemed very unhealthy and at the purple level; health effects are increased for everyone. Lastly, if the index is at 301 or higher, then the air is deemed hazardous and everyone is likely to experience health problems and a health warning is set to emergency conditions.
According to cfpub.epa.gov, Idaho has experienced up to the red or unhealthy level and the general public can experience health problems.
ISU students are no exception.
“As someone with asthma I have had issues and trouble breathing even after very short trips outside and have actually found wearing my mask outside had helped some with the smoke,” said junior biology major, Kaitlynn Landon
According to clark.wa.gov, “Respirator masks, worn correctly, may provide some protection by filtering out fine particles in the smoke. Masks do not help with hazardous gases in the smoke.” N95 masks are recommended, as they are inexpensive and the most effective against smoke, however, with COVID-19 there may be shortages of these masks.
“I actually find my mask to be more useful with the current terrible air quality. It’s easier to breathe with my mask on outside than with it off. Maybe it’s placebo, but it feels like it filters out the smoke,” said ISU senior anthropology major, Dalene Hunter.
“I think the smoke in the area is particularly indicative of the severity to which we as citizens have mismanaged our forests and planet and now have a serious climate problem on our hands.”
Hunter has also been personally affected due to her family having to evacuate the area from the local Badger fire in the Twin Falls area.
Another student that has been personally affected by the smoke is nursing student Sarah St. Michell. Many of Michell’s hobbies include going outside. However, due to the smoke, she has had to do more activities indoors, which she said can be challenging due to her busy schedule.
“I love spending time outdoors; from studying on a coffeeshop porch to climbing mountain peaks I am always ready to enjoy some fresh air. Unfortunately, the quality of air in the recent time has made spending time outdoors less enjoyable for me. Road/trail running is one of my favorite outdoor activities, yet due to the smoke I have not been looking forward to my time running as I do when the air quality is better,” said Michell.
Due to Michell being a nursing major, she has also had the opportunity to perform respiratory examinations during her lab time in the past week.
According to the CDC, some tips to help with the smoke include: “check local air quality reports, prevent wildfires from starting, avoid polluting indoor air by burning candles, gas stoves, or fireplaces if possible and follow the advice of a healthcare provider.”
These past weeks have posed difficulties to students due to the excess smoke and COVID-19 on top of it, but following the tips mentioned above and staying safe is the best our community can do.
