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Department of Ecology Media Advisory - September 1, 2004
04-169
SPOKANE - A dust storm is forecast for this afternoon into the evening because of high winds and dry soil conditions.
Dust storms normally occur in sustained winds above 20 miles per hour.
Particulate matter in dust storms is very small and can be inhaled deeply, where it can irritate or damage sensitive tissues in the respiratory system. People with respiratory illnesses, the elderly, young children, pregnant women and anyone engaged in strenuous physical activity outdoors are most at risk.
When a dust storm occurs, people can protect themselves by:
After the wind stops blowing, fine dust can remain suspended in the air from as traffic grinds up dust deposited from the storm. In some low-lying areas, the air can become “stagnant," and particles may settle out of the air slowly. Sensitive people who wish to be prepared for dust storms should pay attention to local weather forecasts.
“Real time" air-quality data are available in most areas, county by county, online at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/. For residents of Spokane County, air-quality data also are available at www.SCAPCA.org.
Residents can help reduce airborne dust by driving slower on unpaved roads and by postponing dusty projects around the house and yard until a less windy time.
In addition, dust control is required for all construction projects. Control measures include clearing no more land than necessary, working in phases to minimize the amount of exposed land area, using a commercial dust suppressant to replace or reduce the use of water, covering bare ground with gravel and curtailing activities on windy days.
For more information, contact Kary Peterson, at Ecology’s Eastern Regional Office in Spokane, 509-329-3574; Paul Rossow at Ecology’s Central Regional Office in Yakima, 509-454-4193; or your local air-pollution control agency:
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Media contact: Jani Gilbert, public information manager in Spokane, 509-329-3495; pager, 509-622-3073
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
