SPOKANE, Wash – Air quality is currently in the Moderate/Yellow category, but is forecast to deteriorate to Unhealthy/Red category on the Air Quality Index.

According to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, smoke from regional wildfires, combined with poor overnight ventilation, is leading to worsening air quality. Conditions are forecast to decline from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning due to shifting winds and ongoing fire activity.

April Westby, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency’s executive director, said, “It is important that individuals check current air quality conditions throughout the day and as they plan outdoor activity because conditions can change rapidly. The current Air Quality Index is reported online at spokanecleanair.org/current-air-quality."

Dr. Francisco Velázquez, health officer for Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), added, “Smoke can affect everyone. Understand the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and take precautions to minimize your exposure. Those most sensitive to smoke should contact their health provider, if necessary.” 

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.
• 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 your 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.
• If you must be outside, wear a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved particulate respirator, such as an N95 mask.

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

• SmokeReadySpokane.org
• Spokane Regional Health District Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality and Wildfires 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

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency's 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. Learn more about our work at SpokaneCleanAir.org.