Missoula County Air Quality Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Air Quality Update

Date:            Thursday September 29th, 1 PM
Contact:       Mamie Colburn or Ben Schmidt, 258-4755

As of 1PM on September 24th the air quality is MODERATE or Worse in Missoula County. Areas of Florence, Highway 12, and Lolo are UNHEALTHY. Frenchtown is currently UNHHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Current particulate levels are in excess of 26 µg/m3 in the city of Missoula and 28 ug/m3 in Frenchtown. Twenty-four hour exposure levels are increasing. Air quality is not expected to improve over the next day due to a strong ridge of high pressure over the state.   Smoke is being generated from the Kootenai creek fire near Stevensville. A new fire burning west of Arlee may also contribute smoke to Missoula County.

Cautionary Statement for areas of heaviest smoke in Southern Missoula County: The department recommends that those with heart or lung disease, smokers, children, and the elderly limit prolonged exertion and limit time spent outdoors.
Cautionary Statement throughout Missoula County: The department recommends that those with heart or lung disease, smokers, children, and the elderly consider limiting prolonged exertion.

Potential Health Effects: There is an increased likelihood of symptoms in sensitive individuals or aggravation of heart of lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider.

Because smoke conditions can change rapidly and vary widely from one location to another, the department encourages individuals use visibility to help gauge air quality at a given time and place—the farther you can see, the better the air quality. More smoke information is available at www.co.missoula.mt.us/airquality.

The next update will be given by 9 AM Friday September 25th or as conditions warrant.
You can also call the AIR QUALILTY HOTLINE for updates at 258-3600.