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Expected air quality fluctuations in coming weeks

On July 10, the National Weather Service out of Riverton, WY released a statement over Twitter saying that smoke from wildfires in northern California and southern Oregon would lead to thicker smoke clouds in Wyoming throughout the weekend. 

Western Wyoming was placed under an air quality alert until late in the afternoon that Sunday, July 11. 

As wildfires in Wyoming and surrounding states grow and continue to increase in number, the amount of smoke in the air is bound to increase and as such, Wyoming’s air quality will drop as a result. 

“Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects,” said the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). “It is important to take into consideration the smoke and air quality as a part of health and safety.” 

According to the WDH, certain groups of people need to be more mindful of these conditions. The elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during any air quality alerts. 

Dr. Erin Crowley of the Casper Pulmonary clinic out of Wyoming Medical Center said it is important for nearly anyone to take the proper caution steps.

“Just like smoking tobacco products, breathing in the smoke from a wildfire can damage the respiratory system.

“Those with systems that are already compromised are especially at risk, but anyone can suffer from illness if the air quality drops too low. The first steps should always be to minimize as much interaction as possible,” said Dr. Crowley.

The WDH in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a list of steps to follow for trying to minimize harmful interactions with low air quality. 

The first is to be proactive in gathering information on the current air quality in your location. The CDC recommends watching or listening to local news or checking reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index. Reports can be found at www.AirNow.gov. 

The second step is trying to maintain an indoor air environment that is as clean as possible. The CDC and WDH recommend staying indoors with windows and doors closed. Locations with air conditioners should run them, so long as they can keep the fresh-air intake closed to avoid bringing in contaminants. Homes without air conditioning should buy indoor fans that can work without being connected to outside air. 

In the event it is impossible to be in an area where keeping windows closed is not possible, avoid burning candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves to avoid increasing indoor pollution. 

Dr. Crowley said, “Respirators and masks can be helpful. They keep the majority of particulates out of the airway and allow for cleaner breathing in the event you need to go outside.” 

The National Weather Service recommends keeping an eye on current wildfires and leaving high risk areas if possible or avoid outside activities as much as possible if not.

“The last and most extreme measure for those who are at the highest risk or in the worst situations is to try to evacuate the area until air quality levels normalize,” said the CDC. 

The last air quality alert Laramie experienced was the Mullen Wildfires of last year.

As of July 20, Laramie is at moderate standing according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index, but specific numbers differ between websites.

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