During #SmokeReadyWeek, familiarize yourself with the Air Quality Index (AQI) and learn how to interpret air quality data to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and health precautions.
Source of Information
Some people, including people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, people over 65, babies and children are at higher risk of problems from breathing smoke. It’s especially important for these people and those who care for them to pay attention to air quality and take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke. The Washington Smoke Blog provides the latest information on current air quality conditions and smoke forecasts, so you know what to expect.
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.
Where to get current air quality data?
You can see more about the AQI on this site, here; Current Air Quality – ORCAA
A near-complete network of air quality monitoring stations can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency’s page set up for wildfire smoke tracking: Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov)
Once armed with the current AQI you can figure out how to apply it to your family’s planned activities with the Washington Department of Health’s Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality.
