As wildfire smoke season quickly approaches, North Valley Public Library is stepping up to support the community by offering a Clean Air Center to ensure safe indoor air quality for all residents.
Wildfire smoke particles are smaller than that of dust, pollen, and mold, and can enter the lungs and bloodstream, which poses a lifetime risk of respiratory issues, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Emerging research reveals that the toxicity of wildfire smoke is more dangerous than other pollutants, and that smoke becomes more toxic the further it travels. As Ravalli County is the most at-risk for wildfires in the state, and Montana experiences smoke from surrounding states, California, and Canada, it is perhaps not surprising that between 2006-2018, Montana had the highest wildfire smoke mortality.
During a smoke event, health officials recommend staying indoors and keeping windows and doors closed. However, there is evidence that the smallest and most harmful particles can penetrate even well-sealed buildings, posing a serious risk to indoor air quality. You may be able to maintain healthy indoor air quality in your home by using a HEPA air purifier, replacing your furnace filter with a MERV 13 or higher filter, and by changing your air conditioning settings to “recirculate.” If these options are not available, the Library is now a designated Clean Air Center and staff encourages you to take a break from the smoke inside.
North Valley Public Library Director Denise Ard (left) and Adult Programmer Kayli Maffei at the library’s wildfire resource display, part of the library’s new designation as a Clean Air Center.
The building is equipped with high-grade filters and other features to minimize smoke exposure and provide a safer environment during wildfire events. It also has a new display station with information, data, and resources for protecting your home, pets, and family from wildfires and your health from wildfire smoke.
The EPA recommends sheltering from extreme heat and/or smoke for several hours or most of the day, but even a short amount of time is beneficial. Denise Ard, Library Director, says, “While taking advantage of the library’s air conditioning and clean air, you can use one of our computers or WiFi, read a book or magazine, check out one of over 4,000 DVDs and watch it on a computer, play a board game, sign up for free classes, and more.”
Kayli Maffei, the library’s adult programmer, added, “Please tell others that the library is a Clean Air Center and to be sure to come in during fire season.”
North Valley Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.