Smoke
Wildfire smoke exposure in communities is not known to cause any long-term increase in health risks for otherwise healthy people. (That is not true of all smoke – tobacco smoke, for example, is quite dangerous.) Most otherwise healthy people are able to minimize their exposure when possible (for example, don’t go running when it is smoky) but can go about their daily lives without significant health effects. But of course smoke exposure is not good for anyone. At the very least it is irritating. But if you have breathing or heart problems, you should take it seriously. Be sure to see your doctor if you find that your health problems get worse from wildfire smoke.
Information is provided by the Chelan-Douglas Health District about the health problems that smoke can cause, who is sensitive to smoke and what precautions you can take to protect yourself from smoke.
Washington Smoke Information
The Washington Smoke Information blog aggregates information for Washington communities affected by smoke from wildland fires. This website regularly updates with current and forecased air quality and wildfire information in Washington.
Air Quality Monitoring
The Department of Ecology provides real time air quality monitoring. There are permanent air monitors located in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan.
What Does It Mean?
The Washington Air Quality Advisory for Smoke and Other Fine Particle Air Pollution guide categorizes air quality from Good to Hazardous. The air qualtiy guide can help you determine the meaning of these categories and what precautions to take.
What Should Schools Do?
The Washington State Department of Health has provided public health recommendations for schools on fine particle air pollution (smoke). This includes recommendations on recess, P.E., and athletic events and practices.
How To Improve Indoor Air Quality
The Washington State Department of Health has provided recommendations for shools and buildings with mechanical ventilation to improve ventilation and indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events. Smoke can enter and leave buildings through the mechanical ventialation systems, natural ventilation (windows/doors), and infiltration (through small cracks). Tightly closed buildings can reduce exposure to outdoor air pollution.
- Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality during Wildfire Smoke Events
(Recommendations for Schools and Buildings with Mechanical Ventilation)
N-95 Respirator Masks
IF you must go outside during poor air quality conditions, respirator masks, labeled N-95 or N-100, can provide some protection. Anyone with lung or heart disease or who is chronically ill should check with their health care provider before using any mask. Using respirator masks can make it harder to breathe, which may make existing medical conditions worse.
What If I’m Driving Through An Area Affected By Smoke?
Individuals can reduce the amount of smoke in their vehicles by keeping the windows and vents closed, and, if available, operating the air conditioning in “re-circulate” mode. However, in hot weather a car’s interior can heat up very quickly to temperatures that far exceed those outdoors, and heat stress or heat exhaustion can result. Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle with the windows closed. The ventilation system of older cars typically removes a small portion of the particles coming in from outside, while newer models often have an air filter that removes most particles. Most vehicles can re-circulate the inside air, which will help keep the particle levels lower. Drivers should check the owner’s manual and assure that the system is set correctly to minimize entry of outdoor smoke and particles. However, recent research has shown that carbon dioxide levels can quickly accumulate to very high levels (more than 5000 parts per million) in newer cars when vents and windows are closed and the recirculation setting is used. Therefore, if driving a recent model vehicle for more than a short period of time, it may be a good idea to briefly open windows or vents occasionally to avoid becoming groggy from carbon dioxide build-up. Finally, vehicles should not be used as a shelter, but as means to get to one or to leave the area.
Reports
Additional Resources
InciWeb – Incident Information system
Chelan County Emergency Management
- Wildfires :: Washington State Department of Health Washington State Department of Health has great tips and information on making an evacuation plan and what to do if you receive notice to evacuate.
- Washington Listens: 1.833.681.0211 > Crisis Connections Covid-19 Support Rescources Washington Listens Support Helpline wants you to know they are here for you! We are in the middle of wildfire season again and it’s important to know some of the signs of PTSD-like symptoms for those who experienced trauma due to past wildfires. Last year support services for WA Listens were expanded to include help for those who need it due to the fires. If you find yourself needing to talk to someone about what you are feeling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Their trained specialists are there to listen. Call or text 1-833-681-0211, Monday – Friday from 9 am to 9 pm and weekends from 9am to 6pm. It’s free and anonymous.
- Red Cross Get Help: Northwest | American Red Cross - Shelters during an emergency Greater Inland Northwest | American Red Cross contact information Wenatchee Office 509-663-3907
