Have you noticed a smoky haze blanketing the sky and wondered, “Why Is There Smoke In The Air Today Near Me?” It’s a question many are asking, especially as wildfire seasons become more intense and prolonged. Wildfire smoke is increasingly becoming a significant air quality concern, particularly in regions like Washington State, where it’s the largest source of particle pollution. Breathing in this smoke isn’t just unpleasant; it poses serious health risks, ranging from coughing and wheezing to exacerbating heart and lung diseases, and in severe cases, contributing to premature death. The growing threat of wildfire smoke is directly linked to climate change, which leads to reduced snowpack and hotter, drier summers, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread.
To protect public health, various agencies are diligently monitoring air quality and forecasting smoke levels. Organizations like the Washington Departments of Natural Resources and Health, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Weather Service collaborate to track wildfire smoke and provide crucial information to residents.
To understand more about the health implications of smoke, you can learn about how smoke affects your health.
Understanding Current Air Quality Conditions
Staying informed about the current air quality is the first step in protecting yourself and your family. A network of air monitors around the state continuously tracks air pollution levels year-round. During wildfire events, temporary monitors may be added to provide even more localized data.
For up-to-date information on wildfire smoke conditions and forecasts, the Washington Smoke Information Blog is an excellent resource.
The map below utilizes colored dots to represent the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, offering a quick visual guide to air pollution and associated health advisories. By clicking on a dot, you can access detailed information from specific monitoring stations, including real-time air pollution data.
|
Color (Values) | #### Meaning – What You Can Do |
|—|—|
| Green (0-50) | Good – Enjoy outdoor activities! Air quality is excellent. It’s also a good time to prepare for potential future smoke events by having a plan in place. |
| Yellow (51-100) | Moderate – If you are unusually sensitive to air pollution, consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Watch for symptoms like coughing or throat irritation. |
| Orange (101-150) | Unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG) – Sensitive groups, such as children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung disease, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Everyone else should also be mindful of symptoms. |
| Red (151-200) | Unhealthy – Everyone should reduce outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion and consider staying indoors. |
| Purple (201-300) | Very unhealthy – Everyone should avoid outdoor exertion and consider staying indoors. Sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor activities. |
| Dark red (301+) | Hazardous – Everyone should remain indoors and avoid physical activity. Keep windows and doors closed. Seek cleaner air if possible. |
You can also enhance your indoor air quality with a simple and affordable DIY air cleaner. Instructions are available in Español (Spanish), 한국어 (Korean), and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese).
What to Do When There’s Smoke?
When smoke is present, taking proactive steps to minimize your exposure is crucial. Creating a low-cost clean air fan is a practical solution. This easy-to-make fan-filter device effectively reduces harmful particles from wildfire smoke, wood smoke, dust, vehicle exhaust, and pesticide spray. For optimal results, use it in a small room with closed windows and doors.
Understanding Smoke Forecasts
Planning outdoor activities and protecting yourself from smoke is aided by understanding smoke forecasts. This map provides a forecast of smoke levels across Washington. During summer months, a 5-day forecast is available, while in winter, a 2-day forecast is provided. The colors on the map correspond to air pollution levels and related health warnings, helping you interpret the forecast effectively.
Smoke forecasts are generated using data from:
- Ecology and local clean air agencies.
- A smoke forecast model developed by Washington State University.
Related Resources
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Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Wineke Communications Manager, acting [email protected] 360-791-1939
