News, Environment

Air quality is no better

Even healthy people may be affected

Posted

Smoky conditions are expected to linger in the area longer than initially estimated as current forecasts do little to mitigate pollutants in the air.

Thurston County and surrounding areas have had hazardous air conditions for days, as record-setting wildfires ravage the West Coast.

An air quality alert for Thurston County — which extends services available to people who need shelter — has been extended twice and is now lasting through today.

“People with heart or lung disease, or those who have had a stroke, are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action to protect their health during times of hazardous air quality,” reads a press release from Thurston County Department of Public Health and Social Services.

The Washington Department of Ecology’s map of air quality across the state showed that Thurston County isn’t alone. Every air quality monitoring station across the state returned bleak results Tuesday, with air quality ranging from “unhealthy” to a more dangerous “hazardous.”

Thurston County’s air is deemed “hazardous,” meaning even healthy people can experience negative effects by being outside too long. Sensitive groups — which include children, people older than 65, people who are pregnant, have respiratory illness, smokers and people without shelter — are at an enhanced risk of symptoms and complications. Those effects include throat and sinus irritation, headaches, watery or dry eyes, phlegm, coughing and wheezing, shortness or breath, chest pain and irregular heartbeat.

Public Health and Social Services asks for anyone experiencing serious or life-threatening symptoms to call 911.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency tweeted that the region’s air quality is likely to remain unhealthy until late Thursday or Friday. The agency urged everyone to stay indoors as much as possible.

For assistance with finding shelter options within Thurston County, call the housing hotline at 1-844-628-7343.

air quality, smoke, Thurston County, forecast, wildfires

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here