Smoke from wildfires and other sources can have serious health impacts, particularly on children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Smoke can cause difficulty breathing, increase the risk of asthma attacks and heart attacks, and cause eye irritation.
For more information on what you can do to stay healthy this wildfire season, visit the Washington State Department of Health Smoke from Fires website.
Limit Exposure to Smoky Air— Who’s most at risk?
When smoke levels reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, people with heart or lung diseases, pregnant women, people over 65, and babies and children should limit time outdoors and keep indoor air clean. If air quality worsens and smoke levels reach “unhealthy,” “very unhealthy” or hazardous” categories, everyone should limit their time outdoors, avoid exercise outdoors, and take steps to keep indoor air clean. Check outdoor air quality for your area on the ORCAA air monitoring page, or on the Department of Ecology interactive map page. During wildfire smoke episodes, check Burn Portal – WA DNR and the Washington Smoke Blog.