For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer 509.324.1539 or kpapich@srhd.org

SPOKANE, Wash. – Wildfire smoke continues to severely impact air quality in Spokane County. The morning started with hourly readings reaching the “Hazardous” or “Maroon” category of the Air Quality Index (AQI). Conditions have slightly improved, and as of 12:15 p.m., the current air quality reading was at “Unhealthy” or “Red.”  

Because of the wildfire smoke, an Air Quality Alert has been issued by the National Weather Service. This means everyone should avoid spending extended time outdoors and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. Individuals in the “sensitive groups,” such as children, people with heart and/or lung disease, and older adults, should avoid all outdoor activities and move indoors.

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air) and National Weather Service expect unhealthy air quality conditions to remain in the area through Thursday with some improvement possible Tuesday. Air quality may fluctuate between unhealthy and moderate to good for brief periods. However, northerly winds are predicted for Monday, with the potential to bring smoke from fires in British Columbia into Washington and Idaho, resulting in a prolonged return to unhealthy levels.

The National Weather Service and Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency will reevaluate the Air Quality Alert on Wednesday to determine if it needs to be extended.

"Wildfire smoke at these concentrations is unhealthy for everyone, so it’s important to limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. This is especially true for those who are sensitive to poor air quality. If you have health issues, consider talking with your health care provider about their recommendations for you," said Dr. Bob Lutz, Spokane Regional Health District's health officer.

It’s important that individuals limit their exposure to smoke – especially if they are susceptible. Children are more susceptible to smoke because their respiratory systems are still developing, they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults, and they’re more likely to be active outdoors.

Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including:

• A scratchy throat
• Stinging eyes
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing normally
• Irritated sinuses
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• An asthma attack
• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat

Here are some additional steps people can take to protect themselves during wildfire season:

• Pay attention to air quality reports. The Air Quality Index (AQI) uses color-coded categories to report when air quality is good, moderate, unhealthy or hazardous.
• Use common sense. If it looks and smells smoky outside, it is probably not a good time to go for a jog, mow the lawn or allow children to play outdoors.

• If a person has heart or lung disease, is an older adult, or has children, they should talk with their provider about whether and when they should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though a person may not see them.
• Some room air cleaners can help reduce particulate levels indoors, as long as they are the right type and size for your home.
• Paper "comfort" or "dust masks" are not the answer. The kinds of masks people can commonly buy at the hardware store are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. But they generally will not protect lungs from the fine particles in smoke.
• Respiratory masks labeled N95 or N100 provide some protection - they filter out some fine particles but not hazardous gases in smoke (such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and acrolein.) This type of mask can be found at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies.

For more information about precautions residents can take to protect their health when air quality reaches unhealthy to hazardous categories, see Spokane Clean Air’s “Current Air Quality” webpage and Air Quality & Wildfire FAQ here. More information can also be found at www.srhd.org, on Facebook or Twitter @spokanehealth.