A wildfire smoke alert has been issued for the Puget Sound area due to increasing air pollution from wildfires in Eastern Washington. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and local health agencies of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties issued the alert on Monday, August 3.
Health Risks
Wildfire smoke can cause and worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, irritated sinuses, stinging eyes, and trouble breathing. The smoke can severely affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and increase health risks, especially for sensitive populations.
Everyone should take precautions, especially infants, children, and people over 65, or those who are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases, respiratory infections, diabetes, or are stroke survivors. Precautions include staying at home when possible, limiting outdoor activity, closing windows, and using air conditioners in recirculation mode.
Recommendations
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency recommends checking the air quality forecast regularly and taking steps to reduce exposure to smoke, such as using portable air cleaners and wearing masks with the label “N95” or “N100”. Schools, camps, sports teams, and daycare providers should consider postponing outdoor activities or moving them indoors.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
