5/9/22 Monday 10:15 am
I introduced Purple Air to people during the 416 fire a few years back. I was one of the early users. Since then there are air quality monitors all over the forecast area. I wish I would have gotten commissions on the sales of those AQI monitors!
There is one problem. Most do not pick up fine dust. Fine dust is usually classified as PM 10. This means the particulate has a diameter of 10 microns or less. Dust can be hazardous to those with respiratory issues.
According to purple air, here is the air quality across the forecast area at the moment. Anything under 100 is considered “safe”.
When I look at PM 10 particulate there is a different story across the south and southwest forecast area. Here is the area of concern.
In these red areas, air quality is between 100 and 200. Some members of the general public may experience health effects within 24 hours of exposure; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. To put things in perspective, during the 416 fire, Durango experienced readings over 500.
In the coming days, I will continue to monitor the situation and post when necessary.