September 6, 2017
Air Quality and Health Update from
PSCAA and Local Health Jurisdictions
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) and the health departments of Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties, are committed to providing residents the best health information to make decisions for their families.
Yesterday, smoke (fine particles) was high up in the air, leaving our ground-level air cleaner than it looked. But pollution levels on the ground have now increased, making our air MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in all four counties. In the Cascade foothills and areas close to active fires the air may be worse: UNHEALTHY or VERY UNHEALTHY. The closer you are to a wildfire, the greater risk to your health. Everyone’s health situation is unique, check with your health care provider if you have concerns.
You can limit your exposure to smoke and ash by staying indoors.
It is important to distinguish between smoke and the ash that people are seeing on cars and in the air. Smoke is fine particulate matter that is mostly invisible to the human eye but dangerous because it is so small it can penetrate deep into the lungs. Ash is large particulate matter which is visible, but cannot penetrate deep into the lungs. Each can have different health impacts. The human body is better equipped to filter out larger particles because of the hairs in your nose or when you close your mouth or eyes.
During times of poor air quality, people in sensitive groups should monitor air quality and limit time spent outdoors. These groups include:
- Adults older than 65.
- Pregnant women.
- Infants and children.
- People with heart or lung disease, such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- People with diabetes.
- People who have had a stroke.
Conditions may change quickly today across the region depending on your location. Check the graphic on the PSCAA’s home page for up-to-date air quality information.
How to use the graphic on PSCAA website: www.pscleanair.org
- On the home page find your county/location on the left-hand side and click on it.
- Find your group – Healthy Adults or Sensitive Groups
- Determine your activity level to see what is recommended.
Other resources from the Washington State Health Department: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires
Agency Contact #’s
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: 206-343-8800
Snohomish Health District: 425-339-8688
Seattle & King County Public Health: 206-263-8698
Tacoma/Pierce Health Department: 253- 798-2954
Kitsap Public Health: 360-728-2205