Wildfire activity and weather patterns vary from year to year, making it a challenge to predict the likelihood of experiencing wildfire smoke events in any given year. However, for three of the past four years, wildfire smoke in our region has exposed people to unhealthy levels of particulate air pollution for prolonged periods of time. That is why Public Health is encouraging all residents to prepare now and be Smoke Ready.
On most days, our homes provide a refuge, sheltering us from the elements. But, what our homes are not so good at is maintaining clean indoor air, especially during wildfire smoke events.
Wildfire smoke has returned to Western Washington. When air quality is at unhealthy levels, stay inside and avoid outdoor activity as much as possible. We’ve got tips for keeping indoor clean.
Now is the time to get ready for smoke season, especially taking steps to protect your health. Learn what you may need in your home, what to plan for at work, and when to talk to your healthcare provider about smoke exposure.
This article was originally posted on Right as Rain, the blog by UW Medicine. BY VANESSA RAYMOND If you lived in the Pacific Northwest last summer, you already know what it’s like when forest fire smoke becomes a part of your day to day. There’s that whole weird apocalyptic feeling, but what about its health effects? […]
From Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) and the health departments of Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties, who are committed to providing residents with health information to make decisions for their families: Yesterday, smoke was high up in the air, leaving our ground-level air cleaner than it looked. But pollution levels on the ground […]