Wildfires causing air quality problems throughout Eastern Washington

Washington State Department of Ecology

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Department of Ecology News Release - September 6, 2006

06-178

Wildfires causing air quality problems throughout Eastern Washington

OLYMPIA - The wildfires burning in North Central and Southeast Washington are causing significant air quality problems throughout Eastern Washington. As a result, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is advising people in Eastern Washington counties to take precautions to protect themselves from poor air quality.

"The current forecast shows little change in the weather conditions over the next 48 hours," said Clint Bowman, meteorologist at Ecology. "The lack of ventilation will cause the smoke from the Tripod Complex and Columbia Complex fires to continue to linger throughout Eastern Washington."

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with heart and lung problems, children, and adults over 65 years old.

People with lung or heart conditions may have symptoms earlier than people who don't. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, pain in the left arm or jaw, sudden overwhelming fatigue, and rapid heart beat. Contact your health care provider if you have these symptoms. Call 911 if you cannot reach your provider.

"Individuals who are sensitive to air pollution can be affected when levels increase even fairly small amounts," said Dr. Harriet Ammann, a toxicologist. "People won't necessarily even smell or see the smoke when air pollution levels are elevated enough to be harmful."

Okanogan County and areas in Southeast Washington from Walla Walla to Pullman are especially smoky. Residents in these areas should be very cautious and take steps to protect themselves from the smoke.

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

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 if they are the right size for your home and if the filters are kept clean.
Avoid physical exertion. This includes keeping children from playing outdoors during smoky periods.
People with asthma should follow their individual asthma-management plans.
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.
It's important to know that paper "dust" masks, commonly found at hardware stores, are ineffective against smoke particles. A fitted mask (select those designated OSHA N95) can be used to reduce smoke exposure unless it interferes with breathing.

Individuals can help reduce air pollution by reducing their motor vehicle trips, especially when air quality is impaired.

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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