![]() During snowy periods, it’s not uncommon that Boise records PM2.5 levels above 10 μg/m 3. But while air quality in Boise is generally rated “good,” the city can experience elevated ozone levels in the summer and elevated PM2.5 levels in the fall and winter. The air quality index (AQI) in Boise for PM2.5 pollution is typically rated “good” and often meets the more stringent World Health Organization air quality standard of 10 μg/m 3 or less. Higher temperatures often result in higher ozone levels, as heat causes the ozone formation process to speed up. 3 There are 50 days of the year on average when the temperature in the county rises over 90 degrees, thus posing increased risk for ozone formation. Boise is located in arid Ada County, which only receives 13 inches of rain and 16 inches of snow each year. Ozone is primarily a summer problem for Boise, as temperatures exceeding 84 degrees are necessary for ozone formation. Both cities are well known for their struggles with ozone. Los Angeles and Mexico City can experience similar effects, owing to regional mountainous and high summer temperatures. Once formed, ozone can remain in the air for long periods of time as a result of limited pollution dispersion conditions, such as stagnant air from Boise’s valley location. Ozone (O 3), a key component of smog, is created when nitrogen oxides (NO 2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – both found in vehicle emissions – chemically react in sunlight. and Canada, suggest that Boise will continue to face a number of high PM2.5 pollution days annually.īetween 20, Boise averaged 6.7 unhealthy ozone days per year, roughly double the federal target of no more than 3.2 unhealthy ozone days annually. The growing population in Boise and the Treasure Valley, coupled with increasingly severe and prolonged wildfire seasons in the western U.S. Breathing PM2.5 has been linked to numerous respiratory and cardiac health concerns. When inhaled, PM2.5 can embed deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 is the greatest threat to the Boise’s air quality due to its prevalence and impact on human health. In August 2020, 500 wildfires in Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Northern California were responsible for causing Boise pollution levels to be classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” for several days. ![]() 1 Seasonal forest fires, winter wood burning, and vehicle exhaust are largely to blame for elevated PM2.5 levels in Boise. In 2019, Boise averaged an annual PM2.5 concentration of 6.9 μg/m 3, thus meeting both the US federal target (≤ 12 μg/m 3) and the more stringent World Health Organization (WHO) target (≤ 10 μg/m 3).ĭespite generally healthy air, Boise still experiences an average of 2.8 unhealthy PM2.5 days annually, where air quality reaches levels considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or worse.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |