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Department of Ecology News Release - Feb. 12, 2003
03-028
OLYMPIA - A ridge of high pressure that settled over the Pacific Northwest last Wednesday is moving eastward, allowing air quality to return to healthier levels in Western Washington.
As a result, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) has lifted its air stagnation advisory for the western part of the state.
The advisory remains in effect for populated and low-lying areas east of the Cascades, as stagnant air conditions are expected to linger on the eastern side of the state for at least the next 24 hours.
People in Eastern Washington should continue to monitor news media for updated information about air quality conditions and check with local authorities about the status of burn bans.
Fine particles in smoke and other particles trapped by stagnant air conditions are inhaled deeply into lungs, where they can damage delicate tissues. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions are at greatest risk and should restrict their outdoor activities when the air stagnant.
"During these periods of air stagnation, all of us need to protect air quality by driving less, respecting burn bans, and restricting other activities that create smoke and dust," said Dick Stender, Ecology meteorologist.
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Contact: Leslie Thorpe, public information manager, 360-407-6848; pager, 360-534-8590
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
