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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 1998
98-070
Contact: Larry Altose, Public Information Officer, 425-649-7192
OLYMPIA - Poor air circulation due to an unusual weather pattern has prompted the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) to ban all outdoor burning in Eastern Washington until further notice.
A high-pressure inversion has caused air-pollution levels in many parts of Eastern Washington to rise throughout the week. They’re now getting close to the upper limits of the health standard.
"The weather pattern that’s causing this is very unusual -- reducing air circulation and trapping pollution near the ground," said Ecology meteorologist Darrell Weaver. "This situation could continue another two days or so, and it’s important that we take precautionary steps to minimize its health effects on people."
Particulate matter--fine airborne particles--can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, where they damage delicate tissues. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respiratory or heart ailments are at the greatest risk from this pollutant. People who exert themselves outdoors, including exercising or working adults and children at play, may increase their exposure to particulate matter because of their heavy breathing.
During the burn ban it is unlawful to start an outdoor fire, and any existing fire must be put out as soon as possible. Local air quality agencies may take additional actions, including wood stove and fireplace restrictions, to protect public health during this weather episode.
Weaver noted that National Weather Service forecasters suspect a cloud of dust from dust storms in Asia may have reached North America. The high-altitude dust cloud may be responsible for the hazy appearance of the sky throughout the state yesterday and today.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
