For Immediate Release 

More than six million acres of Alaska were burned in wildfires throughout the summer of 2004. Smoke from those fires created unhealthy breathing conditions for residents spending time outside. However, many people may not be aware that on some smoky days, indoor air conditions also were hazardous.  

Cathy Cahill, an associate professor of chemistry and atmospheric sciences at the Geophysical Institute, analyzed the air conditions, while the wildfires raged. She found Fairbanks homes provided minimal reprieve from the dangerous levels of particulate matter floating in wildfire smoke. In her lecture, "Alaska Wildfires and How They Affect Our Health," Cahill will discuss her findings and describe the toll this smoke took on residents' health in Fairbanks and Anchorage. 

The hour-long lecture is free and will begin at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, February 14, at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA. All ages are welcome! 

The 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is coordinated by the Geophysical Institute and sponsored by the University of Alaska Foundation. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is available at http://www.scienceforalaska.com. 

CONTACT: 

Cathy Cahill, Geophysical Institute Associate Professor of Chemistry and Atmospheric Sciences,  UAF: (907) 474-6905 

Dave Pfeiffer, Anchorage Coordinator: (907) 786-7762 

Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: (907) 474-5823