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Department of Ecology News Release - December 18, 2006
06-263
OLYMPIA - People who are sensitive to air pollution should take steps to protect their health this week, according to the state Department of Ecology.
Because of continuing power outages caused by last week's exceptional windstorm, more people are using woodstoves and fireplaces as their only heat source. That means the air in communities around the state contains more wood smoke, a leading cause of air pollution and a serious health threat. Wood smoke contains fine particles, which can be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs.
Smoke is lingering in current calm weather conditions.
"It's not going to be ideal for dispersion the next couple of days," said Ecology meteorologist Clint Bowman.
Bowman said conditions will improve noticeably by Thursday.
To limit smoke, woodstove and fireplace users are urged to burn hot fires using only dry wood. Outdoor burning should be delayed until air quality improves.
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 children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.
People with lung or heart conditions may have symptoms earlier than people who don't. Symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, sudden overwhelming fatigue, and rapid heart beat. Contact your health-care provider if you have these symptoms. Call 9-1-1 if you cannot reach your provider.
Ecology also recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine errands, or use public transportation to cut vehicle emissions during times of reduced air dispersion.
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For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/airhome.html
Contacts: Seth Preston, Air Quality public information officer, 360-407-6848; cell 360-584-5744
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
