Category: Environmental Health
What’s in wildfire smoke? A toxicologist explains the health risks
Smoke from wildfires contains thousands of compounds, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
DIY air filter fan
This simple D.I.Y. project can make the smoky days a little more bearable and safe.
Heat-related deaths in Washington state climb to 78 after historic heat wave
To compare, in 2020, there were seven heat-related deaths in Washington state from mid-June to the end of August. From 2015 to 2020, there were a total of 39 deaths during warmer months
How to handle the heat
Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible. Stay hydrated. Help those who are vulnerable or at higher risk.
WILDFIRE SEASON IS COMING — GET SMOKE READY!
For three of the past four years, wildfire smoke in our region has exposed people to unhealthy levels of particulate air pollution for prolonged periods of time.
Prepare for the worst: 10 steps to get ready for wildfire smoke
Planning, air cleaners, masks and more . . .
What’s in wildfire smoke, and why is it so bad for your lungs?
As smoke travels through the air, exposure sun and interactions with other chemicals in the atmosphere can make it more toxic.
Wildfire smoke prompts closure of Seattle parks
Wildfire smoke making air quality “unhealthy” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” is expected to remain in the area through the early next week.
How to keep indoor air clean on smoky days
Children, adults sixty-five and older, pregnant people and people with lung or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to smoke from wildfires.
As States Prepare for Disasters, They Acknowledge Things Will Get Worse
In Washington state, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz is pushing for a bill to establish a dedicated account to help prevent and fight wildfires.
Why is California banning the pesticide chlorpyrifos?
California is ending use of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide associated with neurodevelopmental problems and impaired brain function in children.
Washington health systems form alliance to address climate change
The Washington Health Care Climate Alliance says it will bring its health care’s expertise and experience to help the state develop climate-smart policies.
Air pollution can be as bad as pack a day of cigarettes for your lungs, UW study
“We were surprised to see how strong air pollution’s impact was on the progression of emphysema on lung scans,” said UW’s Dr. Joel Kaufman.
The New West: Smoke In The Sky, A Purifier At Home
Alarmed by dense smoke, shoppers were snapping up portable air purifiers and breathing masks in staggering numbers.
Why testing for lead helps kids…and how you can get free testing
Lead exposure can harm brain growth in children, so it’s important for toddlers and preschoolers to be tested for lead if they have any of the risk factors.