Air quality in eastern WA currently in unhealthy range

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and the Spokane Regional Health District have issued a joint press release on air quality in eastern Washington.

After a brief reprieve last weekend, air quality in the area deteriorated rapidly. As of 12:20 p.m. Sunday morning, pollution has reached the “Unhealthy” or “red” range for everyone.

An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the weather service due to elevated concentrations of wildfire smoke from area fires continues across eastern Washington and north Idaho. All areas east of the Cascades and into North Idaho can expect smoky air quality.

Precautions to be taken for areas experiencing increased smoke and reduced air quality include:

Everyone should avoid heavy work or exercise outdoors when the air quality index reaches unhealthy levels.

Older adults, small children, and those with respiratory conditions or heart disease may be more sensitive to poor air quality and should stay indoors and avoid heavy work when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps dilute phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough out smoke particles. Plan on coughing; it is nature's way of clearing your lungs. Avoid caffeine products, sugary drinks and alcohol because they have a dehydrating effect.

Stay cool if the weather is warm. Run your air conditioner to recirculate air. Turn the fan blower on manually so it continuously filters the air in your home.

For up-to-date wildfire information visit http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/