Boise (670 KBOI) – With wildfire smoke starting to make its way into the Treasure Valley, folks are being advised to keep an eye on the air quality index (AQI) every day.  Today, it’s yellow, or moderate.

Chris Smith with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says generally, when the AQI gets to orange, people with breathing difficulties should stay indoors. But what about using a dust mask that you pick up at the local hardware store?

“Dust masks and surgical masks do not reduce the amount of smoke you breathe, because they don’t stop those smoke particles from going around the filter,” said Smith.  “Respirator masks might seem like a good idea, but they’re a little difficult to adjust, for a correct seal to your face, and if you’re a guy, you can’t have  a beard or anything.”

An AQI of red means everyone, regardless of age or health, should limit their time outdoors.

Smith says yes, they mean it when they say stay indoors in the AC. If you don’t have air conditioning, you might visit a friend, go to the mall or the library.

If you do have air conditioning, change the filter often, and keep the fan running constantly, to keep air moving through the filter.