Program Aims To Keep Air Clean In State

Montana Health and Climate held a do-it-yourself workshop to build affordable air cleaners at the Roosevelt County Library in Wolf Point on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Haley Yarborough, writing and communications officer for the program, said she held similar programs in Fort Benton and Harlem the day before. There were also workshops conducted in Cut Bank and Deer Lodge.

Through a grant, Montana Health and Climate provided supplies for the project which included an electric fan and an air filter. Such devices are especially desired during fire season, Yarborough explained.

“We do it so they don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive air filters,” Yarborough said. “We’ve heard it’s pretty effective.”

Officials say that air cleaners have been shown by the EPA to be effective at reducing pollution from wildlife smoke, pollen and tobacco smoke.

Another service by the organization is an air quality flag program at schools. They also give out air monitors to students.

“It helps them visualize and realize how much it affects them,” Yarborough explained.

Montana Health and Climate helps communities in the state understand how energy choices affect health and build resilience to extreme heat, drought, and poor air quality.