Residents warned Helena area blanketed with unhealthy air Monday

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert until 8 a.m. Tuesday for Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Cascade, Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow and Teton counties because of increased particulate levels from wildfire smoke.

The Helena area is undergoing unhealthy air conditions, state officials said Monday, warning people to stay indoors as much as possible, Lewis and Clark Public Health officials said.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and people with sick euthyroid syndrome (SES) should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, county health officials said. Others should do the same as well.

A view of town from Mount Helena on Sept. 9 as the air quality diminished to Very Unhealthy.

THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record

St. Peter’s Health Pulmonologist Dr. Mollie Lane said children and teens, older adults, and anyone with lung or heart disease should minimize time outdoors and keep any necessary outdoor activities short. 

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“Ideally, most activities would be done inside, with windows and doors

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