Does Idaho pose health threats?? (Boise, Nampa: relocating, smog, work)

[Geauga]

We are considering a move to Idaho, work in Boise, not sure where we'd settle. We currently live in a small Amish town about 30 miles outside of Cleveland, Ohio. In doing research discovered some areas to have high lead contamination, Toxic gas plumage releases. Some major factories in the area were even said to be emitting toxic reproductive fumes into the air. This info. was so disheartening because I was so excited about the chance for a change. Is this OLD info. I discovered or are there current problems. Thanks! Also are there any nice smaller towns outside of Boise about 20 min. to 1/2 hr. drive out??

[omicronkappa278]

I to am interested in relocating to Boise. However, I am from Louisiana and I am sure there will be a climate shock... I am interested in Good sides of teh town... Good schools ETC. I have a 3 yo & a 1 yo.

[Geauga]

I am also interested in the good sides of the town although if there are health threats such as high lead levels, children are at great developmental risk.

[omicronkappa278]

I haven't found much online about pollution or smog issues other than normal... The air is much worse in houston.

But, I am not a resident... Just looking to be...

[pinkpalace]

I was born in Idaho, and lived there for about 30 years. Boise doesn't have any big industrial plants that usually contribute to air quality problems.

However, Boise does sit in a valley. During the winter months, it's common for cold air to be trapped in the valley and warm air to be sitting on top. The weathermen call this the "inversion". When this happens, all of the smog and other air pollutants get trapped and make for very gray, hazy, smoky days. If you have asthma, then this could be a concern. Otherwise, it's just annoying.

[babydawn]

I have lived here for 17 years and have never even heard of such a thing. My children are all healthy, strong, active kids. The worse we get is what pinkpalace talked about.

[johnlvs2run]

How do the inversions affect Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and Kuna, as compared to Boise?

Are they all affected or mostly just Boise.

[MoMark]

If Yellowstone blows up, Idaho will have a health threat, until then, I wouldn't worry about it.

[huntman58]

There all effected in the valley to one extent or another. There is some pollution there and yes there air requirements are not what some other areas are. Also cleaning solvents if I recall right were some thing they were on the look out in the ground water. The lead and also to some mercury is found almost any were there was a lot of mining going on as they were both used to recover gold and silver. The reason for some warnings on eating and how much you eat of fish from some waters what I found out shocking is there family friendly saying. I found it to be only skin deep nothing real.
One thing I saw coming throw was car smog getting more like calif. (I remember days the so called inversion was worse then the calif air I left) there being forced to tighten up the smog law by the feds. To me it should be some thing you want to do and not be forced to do if you really care about families and people.

[MagpiesMagpiesMagpies]

I remember the winter temperature inversions were really bad years back but they haven't been that big of a problem recently. In any case, compared to the kind of pollution you'd see in any moderately-sized city the health implications would be minimal in my estimation.

The only health risk I'd be mindful of is the cellphone toting SUV driver with California (or 1-J) plates.

Magpies