SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane’s air quality is forecasted to fall from moderate to unhealthy on the Air Quality Index due to smoke from wildfires, according to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.
The effect of the smoke from wildfires is worsened by the poor overnight ventilation and is set to decline from September 3 to September 4 due to shifting winds and continued 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.”
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency’s Air Quality Index is an online tool that measures air for Spokane County. It determines the air quality based on the concentration of coarse particles, fine particles and Ozone in the air.
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.”
People with heart or lung disease might feel more severe symptoms from the smoke like scratchy throat, coughing, irritated sinuses, stinging eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, chest pain or headaches, wrote the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions might also see worse symptoms, the agency wrote.
To reduce exposure to smoke, the agency recommended knowing the Air Quality Index in the area, limiting duration and intensity of outside physical activity, staying inside with cleaner indoor air whenever possible or wearing a properly-fitted NIOSH-approved particulate respirator like an N95 mask.
