Smoke from wildfires throughout the west continues to foul air quality in north central Idaho, southeastern Washington and beyond.

Air quality ranges from the Unhealthy to Hazardous categories over most of the region.

For more information click on the map. To expand, click on the "full map" tab.

Many people are wearing paper air masks to protect themselves from the smoke. According to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, most paper masks will not filter out  particulate matter found in smoke.

"In order for a mask to provide protection during a smoke event, it must be able to filter very small particles (around 0.3 to 0.1 microns) and it must fit, providing an airtight seal around the wearer's face. Dust masks are not enough. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. It is best to stay indoors and limit your exposure to smoke."

Respirator masks will filter smoke but they are not ideal, according to DEQ. They must be tight fitting. Beards prevent a secure fit that will keep unfiltered air from infiltrating the mask. Respirators also restrict air flow, making it more difficult to breath. That said, there are some masks that will work....

"However, if you must be outside, some respirator masks, (they look like paper masks) are good enough to filter out 95% of the particulate that is 0.3 microns and larger. Smoke particulate averages about 0.3 microns, so these respirator masks will filter out a significant portion of the smoke if they are properly fitted to the wearer’s face. These respirator masks are marked with one of the following: “R95”, “N95”, or “P95.” Respirators with higher ratings (R, N or P 99 and R, N, or P 100) are also available and will filter out even more particulate.  Do not use any respirator mask that is not rated at least N95, R95 or P95." 

Wet towels and bandanas suffer the same problem as dust masks.

More information on smoke and health concerns is addressed on a DEQ Q and A page here.