Lisa Woodard | Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency | LWoodard@spokanecleanair.org | 509.477.4727 x 115

Kelli Hawkins | Spokane Regional Health District | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.324.1539, c 509.994.8968

SPOKANE, Wash – The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air) and Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) are joining other agencies across the Pacific Northwest to promote June 12-16 as “Smoke Ready Week,” a week that focuses on ways residents can prepare now for summer’s potential wildfire smoke.

Dr. Francisco Velázquez, SRHD Health Officer, said, “Exposure to wildfire smoke can affect your physical, mental and psychological health, so taking steps ahead of time to protect yourself and those you care about can provide peace of mind.”

“As summer approaches, the threat of wildfire smoke increases, therefore it is critical to know where to access current air quality and how you can reduce your exposure to harmful smoke particles,” stated Scott Windsor, Spokane Clean Air Executive Director.

Monday: What is in wildfire smoke?

• Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and particles. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. The best way to protect yourself is to reduce your exposure to smoke.

• Fine particles are of greatest concern to public health from wildfire smoke. These microscopic particles bypass our bodies’ natural defenses, traveling deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Once inhaled, particles can affect the lungs and heart and cause serious health effects.

Tuesday: Stay Informed about air quality.

• There are tools available to help you access the current Air Quality Index. Checking the AQI can help you make the best health decisions for you and your family. Conditions can change rapidly during smoke events, so check the Washington Smoke Blog often.

• Wildfire smoke season is right around the corner. One way to monitor the air quality is to download the free AirQualityWA app. You can also visit airnow.gov to set up personalized text or email alerts.

Wednesday: Wildfire smoke and your health.

• Breathing wildfire smoke can worsen health problems and cause minor to serious symptoms like headaches, stinging eyes, coughing, trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and chest pain.

• Infants and children, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, and people with existing health conditions may experience more severe symptoms from smoke exposure. Have a discussion with your healthcare team and create a plan before the smoke arrives.

Thursday: Reduce your exposure to smoke.

• Smoke can affect everyone’s health. Depending on the Air Quality Index, you may need to limit or avoid time spent outdoors. And do not forget about your pets!

• When it is smoky, close windows and doors, pay attention to the heat, and stay hydrated. Set your air conditioner from “fresh air” to the “recirculate” setting. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too hot to stay home, find cooler air elsewhere.

Friday: More ways to reduce smoke indoors.

• Create a cleaner-air room in your home with a portable HEPA air cleaner. They can help reduce particulate levels indoors if they are the right type and size for your home.

• Prefer a lower-cost way to clean the air? Try making a box fan filter yourself. This DIY solution costs about $60. While it will not provide the same level of protection as a HEPA air cleaner, it does effectively reduce smoke particles. Watch this YouTube how-to video.

For more information on wildfire smoke and how to reduce exposure to smoke, visit:

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency
Spokane Regional Health District