Seattle Wildfire Air Quality: What You Need to Know

The Current Situation

As wildfires continue to rage across the Pacific Northwest, air quality in Seattle has deteriorated significantly. The Washington Department of Ecology has issued an air quality alert for the Seattle area, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and take precautions to protect their health. The primary pollutant of concern is particulate matter (PM), which can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The AQI is a measure of the concentration of air pollutants in the air. The higher the AQI, the more polluted the air and the greater the health risk. The AQI is divided into six categories:

- Good (0-50)
- Moderate (51-100)
- Unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150)
- Unhealthy (151-200)
- Very unhealthy (201-300)
- Hazardous (301+)

Currently, the AQI in Seattle is in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. This means that people with heart or lung conditions, children, and the elderly are at increased risk for health problems. Healthy adults may also experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can have a range of health effects, including:

- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Coughing and wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart problems
- Lung damage

Children, the elderly, and people with existing heart or lung conditions are most at risk for health problems from wildfire smoke. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, including:

- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Use an air purifier to remove pollutants from the air.
- Wear a face mask when outdoors.
- Avoid strenuous activity outdoors.

If you must go outdoors, it is important to wear a face mask that is rated N95 or higher. These masks can help to filter out particulate matter from the air.

Air Quality Forecast

The air quality forecast for Seattle is expected to improve in the coming days as the wildfires are brought under control. However, it is important to continue to monitor the air quality and take precautions to protect your health.

Resources

For more information on wildfire smoke and air quality, please visit the following resources:

- Washington Department of Ecology: https://ecology.wa.gov/Air/AirQuality/Smoke
- Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: https://www.pscleanair.org/smoke.aspx