Moderate air quality may get worse, protect your health

There have been a number of brush and structure fires in the area over the last few days — and the result of that is causing smoke to fill the air.

“Some people should be worried. Most of us probably not,” said Brad Speakman, a doctor at RediCare in Idaho Falls.

This afternoon the air quality in Idaho Falls was reported to be moderate with an index of 87. Hitting 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. In Pocatello, the air quality index is reported to be 56. In Franklin and Paul, near Burley, are the smokiest with an air quality index of 103 and 118 respectively.

“In terms of outside activities, people, again, who have asthma or COPD [c hronic obstructive pulmonary disease] , really probably should be wearing a mask to try to filter some of the particles in the air,” Speakman said.

He said the majority of us can maintain normal outdoor activities in the Idaho Falls area, but to still be cautious. We will soon be at the height of out fire season so conditions could get worse.

“I think anybody that experiences any shortness of breathe, difficulty breathing, difficulty in respiration in any way, should No. 1 get into a well oxygenated clean air situation and if that doesn’t clear quickly, see your physician or medical provider,” Speakman said.

Doctors say smoke in general isn’t good, whether it’s coming from smoking, wildfires or even just backyard burning.