Air Quality

Air Quality Index and Health Impacts

Air pollution can cause secondary emergencies and hazards when it reaches a certain level of poor quality.  Air Quality is monitored locally by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, who in turn issues air quality index reports.

Gonzaga University uses these reports, along with guidance from the Spokane Regional Health District, to adjust daily operating procedures during periods of extremely poor air quality.  Smoke from wildfires is the most common cause of dangerous air quality, but other hazards can also trigger these conditions.

Wildfire smoke contains hazardous chemicals, with "particulate matter" (PM2.5) being the primary harmful pollutant for those not close to the fire. PM2.5 can reach the deepest parts of the lungs and be absorbed into the body, causing or worsening cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, and harming the nervous system.

Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Exposure

Respiratory:

  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Asthma attack
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Sinus pain or pressure
  • Phlegm

Cardiovascular:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Feeling weak, light-headed, faint, or dizzy
  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back

Stroke Symptoms:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Other Symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Scratchy or irritated eyes
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:

  • Signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, discomfort in the arms or shoulders)
  • Signs of a stroke (e.g., sudden numbness or confusion)
  • Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or asthma attacks
  • Any concerning symptom per healthcare provider advice

Sensitive Groups Individuals more at risk from wildfire smoke include:

  • Outdoor workers
  • Smokers
  • Workers under 18 or over 65 years old
  • People with respiratory infections or chronic conditions
  • People with heart or circulatory problems, diabetes, or pregnancy
  • Tribal and Indigenous people
  • People with low income
Air Quality Index 

Gonzaga’s Air Quality Response

In May and August, a Morning Mail Message will go out to all students, faculty, and staff to remind them of the upcoming wildfire season and inform about hazards and keeping safe, with links to this webpage, and to the Wildfire Smoke Occupational Health and Safety Plan webpage for employees.

When AQI reaches 72 or above, the Gonzaga Emergency Operations Center will monitor and communicate the following:

  • When AQI reaches Actionable levels 72, 101. 151, 201, 301, 351, 849 and 957 a message will be sent to the Emergency Operations Center. Emergency Management Team members will disseminate to all of GU.
  • When AQI reaches AQI 101 (levels that impact outdoor events) the Emergency Information webpage will be updated to show those impacts and link to the Emergency Management & EH&S air quality webpages.
  • At AQI 301 a ZagAlert will go out to the GU community.
  • At AQI 200 a ZagAlert will give the all-clear.
  • The Emergency Information web page Air Quality information will remain until Air Quality drops below 101.
AQI Decision Tree