Media Contact: Kelli Hawkins | khawkins@srhd.org | (509) 324-1539, c (509) 994-8968

Hazardous Air Quality Expected to Continue Through Monday

SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is strongly advising that Spokane County businesses encourage employees to work from home on Monday if possible due to the hazardous air quality.

Dr. Bob Lutz, Spokane County health officer, said, “Given the unprecedented poor air quality levels brought on by regional wildfire smoke, we encourage businesses to support employees working from home if possible and that all community members refrain from non-essential travel.”

For those businesses with essential workers who are unable to work from home, SRHD recommends following health guidance from:

• Labor & Industries: Protecting Workers from Wildfire Smoke Exposure
• Washington Department of Health: Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality during Wildfire Smoke Events
• Spokane Regional Health District: Air Quality and Wildfire – Frequently Asked Questions

SRHD’s recommendation will remain as long as air quality remains in the hazardous level on the air quality index, as reported by the Spokane Clean Air Agency (spokanecleanair.org). The Air Quality Index is a measure used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted the air is, and what associated health effects might be of concern. To help you stay informed about air quality conditions, sign up to receive air quality forecast information here.