Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec. 23, 1999

99-270

Contact: Larry Altose, Public Information Officer, 425-649-7192

Ecology Department issues air quality advisory

OLYMPIA - Poor air circulation throughout Washington means people should refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces, according to the state Department of Ecology (Ecology).

A high-pressure pattern has settled over the Northwest, setting up a temperature inversion that can trap smoke and other pollution near the ground, according to Ecology meteorologist Darrell Weaver.

Although the National Weather Service has issued an "air stagnation advisory," Ecology has not imposed mandatory restrictions because pollution levels have so far remained low in most areas. However, as current conditions persist, pollution is likely to increase.

"To minimize the effects of the inversion, we recommend that people avoid activities that create smoke and other air pollution," said Weaver

Weaver noted that the greatest concern is the particulate matter in smoke from outdoor burning and from wood stoves and fireplaces. Smoke can accumulate, especially in low-lying areas where air circulation is particularly restricted by the temperature inversion, which traps a layer of cold air near the ground.

Residents of the Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, Tri-Cities, Olympia and Central Puget Sound areas should monitor local news media for information about voluntary or mandatory woodstove restrictions. Households with no source of adequate heat other than wood are exempt from woodstove and fireplace burn bans.

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.