A Long-Term Study of Air Toxics in the Lewis-Clark Valley Due to Wildfire Smoke
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Nancy Johnston, Lewis-Clark State College
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
The Lewis-Clark Valley (LCV) is home to the cities of Clarkston, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho, which was recently named the 22nd smokiest city in the United States. Every year, from July through September, the LCV is subjected to wildfires, leaving these communities exposed to higher levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). BTEX compounds are a public health concern, as they can cause a variety of chronic health issues ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disorders. To quantify these air toxics in wildfire smoke, long-term weekly sampling was conducted across six or more sites in the LCV using dual sorbent tubes. These samples were analyzed through thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) to measure BTEX levels in air. BTEX levels and calculated health risks were elevated during wildfire seasons in the LCV.
A Long-Term Study of Air Toxics in the Lewis-Clark Valley Due to Wildfire Smoke
The Lewis-Clark Valley (LCV) is home to the cities of Clarkston, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho, which was recently named the 22nd smokiest city in the United States. Every year, from July through September, the LCV is subjected to wildfires, leaving these communities exposed to higher levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). BTEX compounds are a public health concern, as they can cause a variety of chronic health issues ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disorders. To quantify these air toxics in wildfire smoke, long-term weekly sampling was conducted across six or more sites in the LCV using dual sorbent tubes. These samples were analyzed through thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) to measure BTEX levels in air. BTEX levels and calculated health risks were elevated during wildfire seasons in the LCV.