Benton County is currently experiencing elevated levels of smoke particulate due to current and expected smoke impacts. The pollutant measured is PM2.5; particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently between Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy in the western side of the county. The AQI is currently moderate in the Tri-Cities area. Changes to the forecast could potentially cause a rise in particulate matter and individuals should prepare for higher smoke levels.
For more information on ways to reduce your exposure, see the Washington Department of Health’s “Smoke From Fire” tips at https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires/
Please note that fire danger is currently “EXTREME”. In the event of a fire nearby, conditions can change rapidly. Remain alert; the Washington Smoke Information https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ site has fire, air quality, and health related information.
Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes…runny nose…aggravate heart and lung diseases…and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition.
Individuals should consider air quality conditions before conducting activities outdoors, especially those who are sensitive to air pollution. Sensitive groups include older adults, children, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with heart conditions and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Everyone else should reduce outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors when possible.
- Limit your physical activity outdoors, such as running, bicycling, physical labor, and sports.
- Close windows in your home, if possible, and keep the indoor air clean. If you have an air conditioner, use the “recirculation” switch. Use an indoor air filter if available.
- If you do not have an air conditioner, consider finding a public place with clean, air-conditioned indoor air like a public library or a community center.
- N95 or N100 rated masks can help protect some people from air pollution. These masks are usually available at hardware and home repair stores. Please check with your doctor to see if this appropriate for you.
Air quality can change quickly; current air quality information can be viewed at our website www.bentoncleanair.org on the home page, for more detail follow the links just to the right of the dial for Washington Air Quality Advisory. Updated weather information, including Air Quality Alerts from the National Weather Service can be found at http://www.weather.gov/pdt/.