There is no doubt that the wildfires in California, Oregon, Washington, and other parts of Idaho have taken their toll on the Treasure Valley. You can't look out the window or set foot outside without being reminded of the acres of wilderness being burned up. At the same time, firefighters do their best to get them under control. The governor of California said yesterday that breathing the air in Northern California is the equivalent of smoking 20 cigarettes per day.

There is an app that you can download onto your phone called "Sh**t! I Smoke." It takes the air quality in your area and converts it into the number of cigarettes you would need to smoke in a day to damage your lungs like you would by breathing the outside air. According to the app, you would need to smoke 17 cigarettes per day to equal the air of Portland, Oregon. Seven cigarettes equal the air of Seattle, Washington, and 2.2 cigarettes per day is Boise's current air quality.

2.2 cigarettes per day doesn't sound so bad when you compare it to other cities currently more effected by the wildfires than we are. Still, 2.2 cigarettes per day isn't good for you. According to the National Cancer Society, this amount of smoking makes you more prone to heart disease, cancer, respiratory infections, and more.

You and I are pretty fortunate that we work indoors and live in a home with air filtration during this unhealthy air quality. This is one of those times that we need to think about the homeless in our community and help the shelters who provide them with a place to go with clean air. While most of us get a break from the constant smell of a campfire, they don't. The Boise Rescue Mission is always looking for help. You can donate non-perishable foods, clothing, and of course, cash donations are always welcome. You can reach out to them by clicking HERE.

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