Media Release – Snohomish Health Department – POOR AIR QUALITY
August 3, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katie Curtis 425.297-0882
kcurtis@snohd.org
Poor Air Quality
Suiattle and British Columbia wildfires impacting air quality
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The air quality in Snohomish County has been listed as “unhealthy” by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Smoke as a result of several wildfires in Washington and British Columbia is affecting the air quality in the region and it is expected to continue through the week.
The Washington State Department of Ecology states that when the air quality is rated at “unhealthy” many people may experience breathing problems, and those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma may have worsening symptoms.
The Health District strongly urges all residents to limit the time spent outdoors. Everyone should avoid exercising outdoors if at all possible and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. “With the heat warning also in effect this week it may be difficult for those with breathing conditions to stay indoors with the windows closed” stated Katie Curtis, Emergency Preparedness Supervisor. “The Health District is maintaining a list of cooling centers on our website and we urge residents to check that list if they need a place to cool down and get out of the smoke”, continued Curtis.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has also issued a summertime air quality burn ban for Snohomish, King, Kitsap, and Pierce counties. You can learn more about the burn ban at http://www.pscleanair.org/Pages/default.aspx
The following websites provide valuable information on air quality and measures to protect yourself or your family:
- Washington Smoke Blog http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
- Washington State Department of Ecology https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/ This site provides a map of active air quality issues
- Washington State Department of Health’s Wildfire smoke page http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires/WildfireSmoke This site provides information on how to protect yourself or your family from wildfire smoke
The Snohomish Health District will continue to monitor the air quality reports for the county and will provide residents with information through our social media accounts, our website www.snohd.org, and through news releases when appropriate.
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Sara Cameron, MFA | Communications Coordinator | Communications |Snohomish Health District
3020 Rucker Avenue | Suite #306| Everett, WA 98201 | p: 425.339.5223 | c: 425.626.0390
Public Health: Always working for a safer & healthier Snohomish County
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