It will take some time to clear out all of the smoke. We expect air quality to slowly improve throughout today and tomorrow. Later today we should be in the AQI – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups/Orange and early Wednesday. Additional clearing Wednesday afternoon, which can’t come soon enough!
Meanwhile, protect your health by reducing your exposure to smoke. Here are some ways you can do this:
Reduce your exposure to smoke
- Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
- SRHD provides a guide for School Activities and Outdoor Sporting Events to help navigate decisions based on air quality. The same guide could be used by businesses or for private gatherings. It is located at www.srhd.org/air-quality-wildfire-faq, under Resources.
- If one must be outside, it is advised to wear a properly fitted N95 mask, not fabric or surgical masks. See SRHD’s resource on how to put on an N95 correctly.
- Outside workers: According to L&I’s Emergency Wildfire Smoke Rule, employers are required to take steps to limit workers’ exposure to smoke when smoke particulates, known as PM2.5, reach certain levels. Visit L&I’s website to learn more.
- Clean air spaces can be found at local libraries, malls and movie theaters.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution. Make a do-it-yourself box fan filter. Avoid smoking tobacco, using woodburning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles, incenses or vacuuming. See “How to Create a Clean Room” guidance.
- Listen to your body and contact your healthcare provider or 911 if you are experiencing health symptoms.
- Check on family and friends, especially those in sensitive groups. Provide a clean air space for them if needed.
For more information and resources on wildfire smoke and your health:
