Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.324.1539, c 509.994.8968

Lisa Woodard, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency | LWoodard@spokanecleanair.org | (509) 863-2463

SPOKANE, Wash – Air quality is currently in the Unhealthy to Hazardous ranges on the Air Quality Index (AQI), therefore everyone should take steps to reduce their exposure.

The forecast calls for much of the same for Sunday with the possibility of minor improvements on Monday. Residents can check air quality conditions at SpokaneCleanAir.org or at AirNow.gov.

Symptoms of smoke exposure can be mild to severe, including coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, stinging eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse. People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), or allergies, smoke may worsen symptoms (inability to breathe normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath).

Seek medical attention when experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Dial 911 for emergency assistance if symptoms are serious.

Steps to reduce exposure to smoke:

• Know the AQI for your area and actions to take (Air Quality Guide).
• Limit duration and intensity of outside physical activity.
• Stay inside with cleaner indoor air. (How to create a clean air room)
• Close windows and doors unless it is too hot to maintain safe temperatures.
• Don’t add to indoor air pollution, such as cigarette smoking or burning candles.
• Filter indoor air through an HVAC system, HEPA portable air cleaner, or DIY box fan filter.
• Set air conditioning to recirculate.
• If unable to maintain clean air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air such as a friend’s place, public space, or unimpacted area. (Many regional cool spaces can also act as clean air spaces: Spokane Region Cooling Resources Map)
• If you must be outside, wear a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved particulate respirator, such as an N95 mask.

Sensitive groups include people most likely to have health problems from breathing smoke, including:

• People with lung diseases (asthma, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema)
• People with respiratory infections
• Persons with, or recovering from, COVID-19
• People with existing heart or circulatory problems
• People with a prior history of heart attack or stroke
• Infants and children under 18 (Air Quality Guide for School Activities and Sports)
• Older adults (over age 65)
• Pregnant women
• People who smoke
• People with diabetes

For more information and resources on wildfire smoke and your health:

• Spokane Regional Health District Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality & Wildfire FAQ
• Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency Wildfire Smoke
• Statewide smoke and fire information
• L&I Wildfire Smoke Requirements & Policies

About Spokane Regional Health District

Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.

About Spokane Clean Air

Our job is to ensure that people in Spokane County have clean air to breathe. We monitor air quality for key pollutants to know how clean the air is and where to focus our resources. We implement programs to improve air quality; we enforce federal, state, and local air quality laws; and we encourage individuals to make clean air choices.