AIR-QUALITY ALERT: Wildfire smoke brings regional health warning

| Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Added: WSB photo, looking toward Vashon from Lowman Beach)

As this increasingly smoky day moves into late afternoon, an air-quality alert just arrived by e-mail, from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and health agencies around the metro area:

Air pollution is increasing due to wildfire smoke and may cause health problems.

We expect air quality to reach levels that are UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS overnight and into tomorrow in many areas. A high pressure system is pushing upper-level wildfire smoke down. Smoke from British Columbia and the Cascades is continuing to build in the Puget Sound region today. Winds tomorrow afternoon could help clean the air. Thankfully, we don’t expect this to last as long as it did last summer. We are forecasting for GOOD to MODERATE air quality Wednesday and beyond.

Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems:

Chest pain
Fast heartbeat
Coughing
Stinging eyes
Irritated sinuses
Headaches
Asthma attack
Trouble breathing

Sensitive groups should take precautions, including: children, older adults, and people that are pregnant, have heart or lung issues (such as asthma and COPD), or that have had a stroke.

Stay indoors when possible.

Limit your physical activity outdoors, such as running, bicycling, physical labor, and sports.

Close windows in your home, if possible, and keep the indoor air clean. If you have an air conditioner, use the “recirculation” switch. Use an indoor air filter if available.

If you do not have an air conditioner, consider finding a public place with clean, air-conditioned indoor air like a public library or a community center.

Avoid driving, when possible. If you must drive, keep the windows closed. If you use the car’s fan or air conditioning, make sure the system recirculates air from inside the car; don’t pull air from outside.
Schools and daycare providers should consider postponing outdoor activities or moving them indoors.

N95 or N100 rated masks can help protect some people from air pollution. These masks are usually available at hardware and home repair stores. Please check with your doctor to see if this appropriate for you. More information here.

For more information on ways to reduce your exposure, see the Washington Department of Health’s Smoke From Fire tips.

Air quality conditions may change quickly. Check the air quality forecast regularly at the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s website.

As always, check with your health care provider for more specific questions and concerns.

Ari Yoder August 14, 2018 (7:31 am)

I am an asthmatic somewhat affected by these recent smoky skies. It is a difficult dilemma: I feel so badly about the fires, but at the same time, I wish the smoke wouldn’t wander far and wide. A very impotent feeling since there is nothing one can do to change it. God bless bronchodilators!

anonyme August 14, 2018 (1:45 pm)

I have been having these symptoms for weeks due to the sidewalk construction dust in Arbor Heights. With the smoke moving in the problems have been compounded and living here has become intolerable – and dangerous. My house (and my lungs, no doubt) is covered in concrete dust and dirt. Hopefully the wildfire smoke will diminish by tomorrow; this is the new summer norm, apparently. As for SDOT, every blast contains more spin and further delays. Meanwhile, residents face serious health effects due to the heat and noise. The latest is that they “hope” work will be “substantially” completed around Labor Day (a forward from Lisa Herbold’s office). I would move out if I could.

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