Discover the Idaho Town with the State’s Worst Air Quality

According to the American Lung Association in Idaho, over 130 million Americans live in areas that record unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. While concerns about air quality often revolve around major metropolitan areas, smaller towns tucked away in the heartland face their own environmental challenges. In Idaho, Avery holds the title of the town with the worst air quality in the state. 

Read on as we uncover why Avery scores low on the Air Quality Index (AQI). We’ll also explore the wide-ranging impact of poor air quality on Idaho’s animals, humans, and natural ecosystems. 

Where is Avery on a Map?

Avery is in northern Idaho and not far from the Montana western border, and because it is unincorporated it might be easy to miss. Driving east from Spokane, WA, you can reach Avery in under two and a half hours. Driving west from Missoula, MT, Avery is closer than three hours away. Whichever direction one chooses, it is most likely that I-90 would be the best route to get close to Avery.

Avery – The Idaho Town with the State’s Worst Air Quality

The town of Avery has the worst air quality in Idaho. Its AQI stands at 40.3, which ranks lower than neighboring towns like Fernwood (41.3).

Several factors contribute to the low air quality in Avery, including:

• Idaho’s wildfires
• Geographical positioning
• Industrial action and transportation
• Human activities

Idaho’s Wildfires

A Verisk Wildfire Risk Analysis named Idaho the 5th most at-risk state for wildfires. The frequency and intensity of wildfires in Idaho have increased in recent years due to climate change and poor forest management practices. Avery, located close to forested areas, is particularly susceptible to the effects of these wildfires.

During wildfires, smoke plumes travel long distances, affecting communities far beyond the immediate fire zone. The smoke emitted by wildfires contains a complex mixture of pollutants, including:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Other harmful particles

Authorities and organizations like the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) closely monitor air quality. They provide regular updates on the region’s smoke levels and pollutants.

Geographical Positioning

In Shoshone County, the small town of Avery lies within a valley on the St. Joe River, forming part of the Idaho Panhandle. Its topography creates a unique set of circumstances contributing to accumulating atmospheric pollutants.

The surrounding mountains form a natural bowl, trapping air within its confines. This triggers a “temperature inversion” effect, which hinders the free flow of air. The effect may cause prolonged exposure to harmful particles and pollutants for Avery’s residents.

During inversions, a layer of warm air gets trapped above cooler, denser air layers. This forms a lid, which prevents the upward movement of pollutants. Instead of being carried away by winds, the harmful particles and pollutants become trapped within the valley, creating a localized pollution problem.

Industrial Action and Transportation

While Avery does not have large-scale industrial facilities, nearby industrial activities and transportation networks directly impact its air quality. The mining operations in the region, such as the Mastodon Mine and Darrar Prospect Mine, release pollutants into the air during extraction and processing activities.

Transportation, including vehicle emissions from highways and roads passing through the area, also contributes to poor air quality in Avery. Major roads like State Route 90 (I-90) experience heavy traffic flow. Exhaust emissions from vehicles release pollutants into the air.

Human Activities

Avery has about 132 residents. However, the impact of human activities is still significant. Many households in Avery rely on wood-burning stoves and fireplaces for heating during the colder months. While these sources provide warmth, they release smoke and particulate matter into the air, contributing to air pollution.

Recreational activities, such as outdoor burning and bonfires, also generate pollutants that degrade air quality in Avery. Local campgrounds and picnic areas witness increased emissions from these activities.

Agricultural practices also contribute to air pollution. Certain fertilizers and pesticides in nearby agricultural areas, including the fields near Avery, release harmful chemicals into the air.

Details About the AQI in Avery

The AQI is a comprehensive tool used by government agencies to assess and communicate the quality of the air people breathe. It considers various pollutants, such as total suspended particulate, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.

Total Suspended Particulate (The number of harmful particles found in the air)

As of 2009, Avery’s AQI score is about three points above the national average.

The concentration of harmful particles suspended in the air increases during wildfire season, significantly impacting the quality of breathable air.

Lead Found in the Environment

The amount of lead in Avery’s environment has declined over the years. In 2009, it was lower than the U.S. average.

Carbon Monoxide (Harmful CO emissions in the area)

Carbon monoxide saturation has reduced over the years but is still above Idaho’s and the U.S. average.

Sulfur Dioxide (Harmful SO2 emissions in the area)

Avery records lower SO emissions than both the U.S. and state averages.

Nitrogen Dioxide (Harmful NO2 emissions in the area)

Avery has less nitrogen dioxide than the U.S. mean score, a positive sign of improving air quality.

The early 2000s saw the most decline in atmospheric NO levels.

Ozone (Gas exposure in the air)

Harmful ozone exposure in Avery fluctuates over the years.

As of 2009, Avery’s ozone mean index was a few points above the national score but almost the same level as the state as a whole.

Where is the Idaho Town with the Worst Air Quality?

Avery is tucked in the northern part of Idaho, surrounded by picturesque mountains and dense forests.

Nestled along the banks of the St. Joe River, the small town is part of Shoshone County, in the state’s panhandle near the border with Montana.

Other Cities to Consider

Boise

Idaho’s capital city, Boise, is the largest city in Idaho. It lies 300 miles south of Avery and offers diverse urban amenities, historic splendor, and natural beauty. With its efforts toward sustainable practices and proactive environmental policies, Boise sets an example for other cities to follow in addressing air pollution concerns. The metropolitan area records an impressive AQI score of 46.3.

Coeur d’Alene

Located about 100 miles northwest of Avery, Coeur d’Alene is known for its stunning lake and outdoor recreational opportunities. With an AQI score of 41.1, this major town generally enjoys better air quality than Avery but still faces air quality challenges.

Moscow

Nearly 100 miles to the South West of Avery along the state border with Washington is Moscow. This city sits on Paradise Creek in the Palouse region. Characterized by its rolling hills and agricultural landscapes, Moscow records a relatively better air quality score than Avery.

Pocatello

Situated in Southeastern Idaho, Pocatello is a vibrant city surrounded by mountains, known for its rich history and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is a major regional hub and experiences cleaner air than Avery (AQI 46.7).

How Air Quality Affects the People of Idaho

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, Idaho is home to about 1,939,033 people. The average income is $63,377, with the poverty rate in the state close to 11%.

As of 2021, approximately 132 people live in Avery. The median age in this town is 28.9 years old, with an average annual income of $31,053. Twenty percent of the population lives under the poverty rate.

Idaho is one of the western states affected by the smoke from the recent Canadian wildfires. This continues to impact the air quality in the state, which affects the health and well-being of the residents.

People who live there could experience air pollution health issues over time, such as:

Air Pollution Health Issues

• Respiratory issues are marked by shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. May escalate to asthma or lung cancer
• High-risk to infections like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Metabolic disorders
• Heart attacks and strokes
• Premature death
• Impaired cognitive development in children
• Preterm births and low birth weight

People under the poverty line may lack adequate housing to protect themselves from harmful air pollutants. The inability to find proper shelter and seek refuge indoors exposes them to prolonged exposure to poor air quality.

Residents affected by poor air quality are at high risk of developing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Those with limited financial means are less likely to afford necessary medical care to manage their conditions before they worsen.

Moreover, individuals who are already struggling financially are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions due to their inability to access proper healthcare in the first place. This places them at a higher risk of developing ailments linked to poor air quality, exacerbating their health conditions.

Poor air quality has broader societal and economic impacts. It leads to:

• Increased healthcare costs
• Reduced productivity
• Decreased quality of life for affected individuals

The elderly and young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of polluted air.

How Poor Air Quality Affects Wildlife

The diverse ecosystems surrounding Avery are home to a variety of animal species. Their well-being is intricately connected to the air they breathe.

Air pollution alters the composition of plant species, affecting the availability of food and shelter for wildlife. This disruption changes animal behavior, migration patterns, and population dynamics. Native species may struggle to find suitable habitats and face increased competition for limited resources.

Some native species that are likely affected by the poor air quality in Avery include:

• American pika (Ochotona princeps): These small, herbivorous mammals are adapted to alpine environments and rely on vegetation for food and shelter. With air pollution harming plant life, their food sources may be compromised, leading to a decline in their population.
• Western toad (Anaxyrus boreas): This amphibian species depends on clean water sources for breeding and survival. Acid rain, a consequence of air pollution, acidifies water bodies, making them uninhabitable for western toads and other aquatic species.
• Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis): As a bird of prey, the northern goshawk is at the top of the food chain in Avery’s forests. However, air pollution can affect their prey species, such as small mammals and birds, reducing food availability and leading to potential population decline for the goshawk.
• Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus): Bull trout are native to rivers and streams’ cold, clean waters. The deposition of pollutants from the air onto the water surface can contaminate these habitats and disrupt the life cycle of bull trout, affecting their reproduction and survival.
• Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus): Air pollution can impact the forest ecosystems where western gray squirrels reside. Plant composition and quality changes due to air pollution affect their food sources, triggering nutritional deficiencies and potential population declines.

Affected Plants

Plants play a vital role in the environment, contributing food, oxygen, and habitat for animals. Native plant species in Idaho include:

• Common beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax)
• Pacific trillium (Trillium ovatum)
• Bride’s bonnet (Clintonia uniflora)
• Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
• Fairy-sleeper (Calypso bulbosa)
• Western wild ginger (Asarum caudatum)
• Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)
• Western white pine (Pinus monticola)
• Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)
• Western redcedar(Thuja plicata)

Poor air quality harms plants in the following ways:

Reduced Photosynthesis

High levels of air pollutants, such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide, hinder the photosynthetic process. Reduced photosynthesis (the process through which plants convert sunlight into energy) negatively impacts their growth and overall health, leading to stunted development and decreased reproductive success.

Damage to Leaves

Air pollution can cause visible damage to plants’ leaves, leading to discoloration, necrosis, or premature leaf drop. The damage weakens the plants, making them more susceptible to disease and infestation. This further kills plant tissues, inhibiting the plant’s growth and even leading to death in certain species.

Altered Ecosystems

The impact of air pollution on plant life has a ripple effect on ecosystems. Changes in plant species composition disrupt food chains and pollinators, ultimately impacting the region’s overall biodiversity.

Effects on the Water

Atmospheric pollutants can be transported through the air and deposited into bodies of water, leading to contamination. Here’s how:

• Acidification: Pollutants, such as SO2 and NO, combine with rainwater and form acid rain. Acid rain acidifies water bodies, making them inhospitable for certain aquatic species, thus disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
• Bioaccumulation: Certain pollutants, like heavy metals, can settle in bodies of water, where they accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms. This bioaccumulation causes detrimental effects on the health and reproductive success of fish and other aquatic species, further impacting the region’s biodiversity.

Water pollution from poor air quality can impact the quality of drinking water sources for both humans and wildlife.

Avery, the Idaho town with the state’s worst air quality, faces significant challenges in combating air pollution. Harmful particles, toxic substances, and various gases pose health risks to its residents, flora, and fauna.

Efforts to improve air quality in the state are crucial for its community’s well-being and its natural environment preservation.