Air Quality - Air Quality Status Report
Air Quality is Good
February 3, 2012
As of 4 PM on Friday air quality in the Missoula Valley is good and may worsen to moderate tonight. Poor dispersion from a strong high pressure ridge is expected for the next few days. Freezing morning fog on Saturday and Sunday may help to clean the air at times. Next regularly scheduled web page update is Monday morning unless air quality becomes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse.
For the most current information on particulate air pollution
levels throughout the state, access
This web page is not updated on weekends or holidays unless air quality becomes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Call the air quality hotline at 258-3600 on weekends to get the most current air quality update.
Woodstove Restrictions Currently Not in Effect for Air Stagnation Zone: At this time, use of woodstoves is allowed inside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone (Air Stagnation Zone as .jpg). If you do choose to burn wood, please use dry seasoned wood, do not overload the stove and keep your damper open to reduce emissions. Note that since 1994 only pellet stoves may be installed inside the Air Stagnation Zone.
If a Stage II Air Warning is called, woodstove restrictions will go into effect for Impact Zone M (outlined in red). See Stage II Air Warning pamphlet for more information.
If you operate a woodstove, fireplace or other solid-fuel burning device, you will want to get in the habit of checking this web page or the Air Quality hotline (258-3600) for up-to-date changes in Missoula's air quality. Woodstoves, fireplaces and other solid-fuel burning devices are restricted during alerts and warnings.
Seeley Lake particulate air quality can be highly variable, so consult the "Today's Air" web page for the most current information. Note that the Seeley Lake regional air quality can be better than the neighborhood scale air quality measured at the elementary school yard. The Seeley Lake air monitor shown on the "Today's Air" web page is located at the elementary school playground.
Air Alerts and Warnings informational pamphlets:
If you are being affected by smoke please use the visibility guidelines to determine your exposure levels and adjust your activity levels accordingly. Anyone experiencing heart or lung distress related to smoke exposure is advised to contact their health care provider.
Over the weekend please call the Air Quality Hotline at 258-3600 for updates as this website will be inactive over weekends and holidays.
Air quality categories are as follows:
During wildfires, air quality conditions change rapidly depending on wind direction and proximity to fires. Other areas of the county may have different levels of air quality. Please use the visibility guidelines to evaluate the conditions at your location.
You can also use the visibility guidelines to check your local conditions.
Emergency Episode Avoidance Plan
Air Quality Status is based on 1-3 hour or 8-hour average particulate matter levels. The following chart outlines health effects, cautionary statements, and recommended actions for each air quality category.
| Air Quality Categories |
Particulate Matter Level (in micrograms per cubic meter) |
Visibility Ranges |
Health Effects | Cautionary Statements |
Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOOD | 0-19 8-hour average 0-34 1-3 hour average |
13 Miles and up | None | None | None |
| MODERATE | 19-29 8-hour average 34-51 1-3 hour average |
9 to 13 Miles | Possible aggravation of heart and lung disease | None | None |
| UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS |
29-51 8-hour average 51-89 1-3 hour average |
5 to 9 miles | Increasing likelihood of symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers and the elderly. | People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and
the elderly should: limit prolonged exposure |
None |
| UNHEALTHY | 51-115 8 hour average 89-201 1-3 hour average |
2.25 to 5 miles | Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in general population. | People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the
elderly should: · limit heavy or prolonged exertion; and · limit time spent outdoors. People with asthma should follow asthma management plan. People experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider. |
Outdoor burning, incinerators and non-permitted stove use
suspended. Advise industrial, commercial and construction sources to operate as cleanly as possible. |
| VERY UNHEALTHY | 115-195 8 hr. average 201-339 1-3 hour average |
1.25 to 2 miles | Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers, and the elderly; significant increase in respiratory effects in general population. | People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the
elderly should · avoid heavy or prolonged exertion; and · stay indoors when possible People with asthma should follow asthma management plan. People experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider. Everyone else should: · limit prolonged exertion and · limit time spent outdoors. |
Outdoor burning, incinerators and non-permitted stove use
suspended. Advise industrial, commercial and construction sources to operate as cleanly as possible Recommend no outdoor activity for persons under 18 Recommend cancellation of outdoor public gatherings, especially athletic events, activities, and practices |
| HAZARDOUS | 195+ 8 hr. average 339+ 1-3 hour average |
1.25 miles or less | Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers, and the elderly; serious risk of respiratory effects in general population. | People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the
elderly should avoid any outdoor activity. People with asthma should follow asthma management plan. People experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider. Everyone else should: · avoid heavy and prolonged exertion and · limit time spent outdoors. |
Outdoor burning, incinerators and non-permitted stove use
suspended. Advise industrial, commercial and construction sources to operate as cleanly as possible Recommend no outdoor activity for persons under 18 All (indoor and outdoor) athletic events, activities and practices canceled. The department may also institute any of the advisories and requirements listed in the Missoula County Air Stagnation Plan, if deemed necessary to protect public health. |
For additional wildfire smoke health information, visit our Wildfire Smoke Information page.
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