OLYMPIA (WA State Department of Health)– As wildfire season heats up, officials at the Washington State Department of Health are urging everyone in Washington to plan now for smoky days with poor air quality.
Wildfire Season is Here
Breathing smoke isn’t good for anyone, but some people are more likely to have health problems when air quality isn’t good. Sensitive groups include children under 18 and adults over 65, people with heart and lung diseases, people with illnesses and colds, people who have had a stroke, pregnant women and people who smoke. These people should especially take care to reduce exposures by limiting outdoor activity and staying indoors with cleaner air when it’s smoky outside.
Symptoms from exposure to smoky air can range from minor to life-threatening and include watery or dry eyes, coughing or wheezing, throat and sinus irritation, phlegm, shortness of breath, headaches, irregular heartbeat and chest pain. People experiencing serious symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Air Quality Resources
Comprehensive webpages with frequently asked questions and a toolkit.
Information on air quality
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- Smoke Blog
- Regional Clean Air Agencies
- EPA’s Smoke Sense” (Mobile App)
- Air quality graphic: Updated graphic provides recommendations for the different color-coded air quality categories.
Flyers for each of the sensitive groups and for the general public.
Most of these resources have been translated into the top 10 languages.
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