What’s Causing Nausea, Headaches In This Idaho City Of 35,000?

Several factors like industrial burnoff and tree and plant allergies can trigger headaches. Some residents and visitors to a north Idaho city recently took part in an online discussion regarding the topic of air quality with some reporting nausea and other health issues.

Having lived in Twin Falls for several years, there were many days when I felt a bit off and contributed it to what was being blown around the city from nearby processing plants. Aside from occasional watery eyes, I don't get the type of allergies that some around me do, so I'm fortunate in that regard. Headaches are also something that I rarely get.

Lignin is found in plants and could be the cause of what some of these people are complaining about.

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For many people, elevation, factory burnoff, vegetation, pollen, and other things are massive health triggers. Headaches, such as migraines, can also be caused by stress (tension headaches), according to The Mayo Clinic. Poor air quality can also trigger infections such as conjunctivitis.

When numerous people report feeling ill in one specific region of the country, then it could signal something of concern. I recently read a comment chain from north Idahoans on Reddit where someone posted the question, "Does anyone else get a headache when they go down to Lewiston?"

While many people commented that they'd felt nothing out of the norm when visiting the city of 35,000 located 160 miles southwest of Sandpoint, some did report having nausea and headaches. The subject was brought up on the Idaho / Reddit website on December 8, 2024.

"The lignin smell is remarkable," one person commented. Lignin is found in plants and could be the cause of what some of these people are complaining about. Another mentioned nearby paper mills as a potential source. The low elevation of Lewiston was also mentioned in the comment thread.

Have you noticed feeling ill or getting headaches when visiting the city of Lewiston?