Check any of the state or federal air quality websites, such as AirNow, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Oklahoma Environmental Quality’s air quality warning and prediction site. You’ll see that much of the Choctaw Nation reservation has no monitoring stations.
Seeing this discrepancy in information, the Choctaw Nation has taken action to improve the measurement and awareness of the air quality on the reservation.
Air quality can be measured in many ways, the most common being ozone and particulate matter. Ozone is a colorless gas that forms when emissions from cars, power plants, and other industries react with sunlight.
Ozone is a big part of what’s happening when you see smog. Ozone pollution can affect the respiratory system, causing coughing and throat irritation. It can also make breathing difficult, aggravate asthma, and inflame and damage the lining of the lungs.
Particle Pollution is any particle or liquid droplet in the atmosphere. Particle pollution, or aerosols, has many sources. Fine particles, small enough to get into the lungs, primarily come from combustion in cars, fires, and industry.
James Parsons, an environmental specialist with the Choctaw Nation, stresses the importance of monitoring the local air quality on the reservation. “Nobody else is doing it. The state of Oklahoma isn’t monitoring the air quality in the Choctaw Nation. So somebody has to look at it and find out if the air we’re breathing is good,” said Parsons.
Parsons has been doing indoor assessments of air quality and other environmental hazards for a little over five years and has branched out to monitor outdoor air quality in the last two years.
Parsons has installed air quality monitors at every community center on the reservation. “These measure particulate matter, which is a big part of air quality. The particulate matter they’re specifically measuring is a pm 2.5, which is anything bigger than 2.5 microns, much smaller than the human hair,” Parsons said.
Air quality numbers for all of the Choctaw Nation community centers, along with other public sensors, can be seen on the www.purpleair.com online map.
The readings of these monitors and others belonging to private citizens who’ve chosen to make theirs public are available at www.purpleair.com.
Since air quality can greatly impact health, the EPA issues color-coded air quality updates to alert people when pollution levels are high enough to be harmful. Many communities have established action plans to limit the impact of poor air quality on bad days.
Parsons explained that the Nation is also taking steps to implement an action plan. We’re implementing an air quality flag program at the Choctaw Nation Head Starts. “Somebody at the Head Start is going to look at the Purple Air that’s the closest to them, and they’re going to hang a colored flag outside of the Head Start.”
This system will help Head Start staff and parents know if it’s safe for the kids to play outside or if they should play inside that day. This is particularly important for people in sensitive groups who are more likely to be affected by declining air quality.
“For people in sensitive groups, the people that have respiratory issues like asthma, COPD and other things that this pollution affects, this would be an indicator for them that maybe they should stay in the house that day,” said Parsons.
Parsons also warned about the dangers of Radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from rock, soil, and water due to the natural decay of uranium. While radon levels in outdoor air are a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. Radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless, making testing the only way to detect it.
“Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers,” said Parsons. While Oklahoma is in a low-risk area for radon, that’s based on geological formation rather than testing. Radon has a much higher prevalence in the country’s more mountainous regions. Free radon test kits are available to Oklahoma residents, and the EPA has resources for finding radon testing in other areas nationwide.
When it comes to many things that affect outdoor air quality, like fires, vehicle emissions and factories, the only thing you can do is limit your exposure by staying inside on bad days.
However, you do have more control over the air you breathe indoors.
“Since the average person spends 90% of their time indoors, prioritizing indoor air quality is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being,” said Parsons.
Several things can affect indoor air quality. Parsons says smoking tops the list, but cooking and most sprays can also degrade it. “If my son is in his back room spraying disinfectant, within a minute or two, the monitor in my living room will shoot through the roof,” Parsons said.
Many people think that just because the air around them smells good, they don’t have anything to worry about. Parsons says that’s not necessarily the case. Carbon dioxide (CO2), the air we expel, can reach unsafe levels quickly with poor ventilation, crowded rooms, or even driving.
Parsons told a story about how he had inadvertently left a CO2 meter on in his car, which set the alarm off after only 30 minutes of driving. Parson explained how this happens: “Everybody keeps their car on recirculate because that’s how it cools the best. Well, you’re not letting any fresh air into your car, and the carbon dioxide levels are building up to levels where it’s literally putting you to sleep.”
One simple thing you can do is introduce more ventilation by opening some windows. The next step would be to get a quality air purifier. Parsons offered several steps to improve your air indoor air quality.
Improve Ventilation – Ventilation is your first line of defense against indoor pollutants. Open windows and doors when weather permits, especially during activities that generate moisture or strong odors, such as cooking and cleaning. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are essential for clearing humidity, steam, and cooking fumes.
Control Humidity Levels – Mold thrives in damp conditions, and high humidity can make your space a breeding ground for allergens like dust mites. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Address leaks and spills promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Invest in a Quality Air Purifier – Air purifiers with HEPA filters effectively capture airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet hair, and smoke. They are especially valuable additions to improve overall air quality for households with allergies or pets.
Switch to Natural or Low-VOC Products – Many cleaning supplies, paints, and air fresheners release harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOC), into the air. Opt for eco-friendly or non-toxic alternatives labeled “low-VOC” or “VOC-free.” These products are safer for your health and better for the environment.
Regular HVAC Maintenance – Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a major role in circulating air. Depending on your system and household needs, replace air filters every 1-3 months. Schedule annual inspections to ensure your system is working efficiently and not contributing to pollution inside your home.
Include Air-Purifying Plants – Houseplants such as peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos can naturally filter toxins out of the air while adding a touch of greenery to your space. While plants are not a replacement for good ventilation or an air purifier, they are a wonderful complement.
Reduce Dust and Pet Dander – Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture regularly to reduce the accumulation of dust and pet dander. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure allergens are trapped effectively. Washing bed linens and pet bedding can also help.
Parsons emphasized that if you buy an air purifier, get a quality one with actual HEPA filters and avoid air purifiers that emit ozone. If the cost of purchasing an air purifier is prohibitive, Parsons says there is a DIY solution called the Corsi-Rosenthal box.
In its simplest form, the DIY system consists of a box fan with a Merv-13 filter taped to the back to pull the air through the filter. More elaborate designs with more filters can be found online.
If you’ve tried all of these things but think you still have problems with your air quality or other environmental issues in your home, Parsons says you can get help by contacting the Tribal Public Health Department at 539-316-3851.
“If a tribal member that lives on the reservation contacts the Choctaw Nation public health department, we would be able to conduct stuff like mold inspections, lead-based paint inspections, asbestos inspections, or general indoor air quality,” said Parsons.