Air-quality advisory for Eastern Washington counties to continue through

Washington State Department of Ecology

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Department of Ecology News Release - August 4, 2006

06-147

Air-quality advisory for Eastern Washington counties to continue through the weekend

OLYMPIA - The current air stagnation occurring in the Columbia Basin is likely to continue through the weekend, creating the possibility of wildfire-smoke problems for several Eastern Washington counties. The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is advising people in Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan and Stevens counties to be aware of the risk of poor air quality and take protective actions.

On Friday, two separate weather disturbances will affect North Central Washington, resulting in smoke traveling to the east and possibly affecting Okanogan, Ferry and Stevens counties. Some smoke is also likely to get trapped in the Columbia River Valley and drift down stream towards Wenatchee.

By Saturday, a new upper-level low will decrease winds and result in poorer dispersion and ventilation Saturday for much of Chelan, Okanogan and Douglas counties. The smoke looks as if it will slowly move off east to northeast on Sunday. At the present time, it looks like there will be dispersion and ventilation problems across North Central Washington on both Saturday and Sunday.

According to the Department of Health, people who may be more sensitive to the harmful effects of smoke include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, those who have had a stroke, and people with existing heart or lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina and congestive heart failure. They may experience symptoms earlier or at lower smoke levels than healthy people.

People who have not been previously diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions. Symptoms of potential lung and/or heart problems include wheezing, chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the left arm or jaw, rapid heartbeat, or sudden, overwhelming fatigue. People who experience these symptoms should consult their healthcare provider. Those who cannot reach their provider should call 9-1-1.

Steps to take when air quality is unhealthy:

Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed.
Use the recycle or recirculate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
Some room air cleaners, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce smoke indoors provided they are the right size for your home and filters are kept clean.
Avoid physical exertion. This includes keeping children from playing outdoors during smoky periods.
Asthmatics should follow their asthma-management plan.
If you have a lung and/or heart condition, be sure to keep at least a five-day supply of medication on hand.
Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness.
Paper "dust" masks, commonly found at hardware stores, are ineffective against smoke particles. A fitted mask (OSHA N95) can be used to reduce smoke exposure unless it interferes with breathing.

Ecology also recommends that people limit their motor vehicle trips to minimize the emission of additional pollutants.

Current air-quality information is available at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/ .

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Contact: Glenn Kuper, Public Information Manager, 360-407-6848

For more information:
Ecology's Air Quality Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/airhome.html
Department of Health Smoke Fact Sheet: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/smokefactsheet.pdf