Category: Air Pollution
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, how will persistent smoke exposure affect long-term health?
Although Canada has seen notable improvements in air quality over the past 30 years, increasingly frequent and intense periods of wildfire smoke threaten to undo this progress. In the last two decades, while emissions from most pollution sources declined, Canadians’ exposure to wildfire smoke has increased by approximately 220 per cent.
Health News Headlines
Wildfire smoke expected in Seattle – ACL tears in women – 5 ways to manage hypertension
Four steps to stay safe from wildfire smoke this summer
Breathing wildfire smoke can harm everyone’s lungs, heart, and overall health. And this year we’re expecting hotter weather and less rain—meaning more smoky days.
TIPS FOR CLEAN AIR INDOORS ON SMOKY DAYS: A PUBLIC HEALTH COMIC
Comic by Meredith Li-Vollmer from Public Health — Seattle & King County
How wildfire smoke can harm human health, even when the fire is hundreds of miles away – a toxicologist explains
One concern is that smoke can suppress macrophage function in the lung, altering the immune cell’s function enough that you become more susceptible to respiratory infection.
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.
How to prepare for summer wildfire smoke
Creating a clean air space inside your home is likely your best option to get relief from wildfire smoke this season.
The EPA disbanded our clean air science panel. We met anyway
We believe the EPA should follow the law, which requires a thorough review of the science underpinning air pollution standards.
Climate report a frightening forecast for public health – viewpoint
There are numerous harmful human health effects of climate change expected in our region, some of which we’re already experiencing, writes Jeff Duchin, MD.
Wildfire smoke is becoming a nationwide health threat
Wildfire smoke contains toxic compounds can lead to lung irritation, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and even death.
Air quality now good in King County
National Weather Service predicts that the Puget Sound region will see some improvement in air quality today, especially along the coast.
Air to remain unhealthy; stay indoors – health officials
Until we get better air quality, stay indoors with windows closed if you can find somewhere cool, health officials say.
Air quality alert in effect for Western Washington — Updated
Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are most at risk of serious health effects.
Region’s air ‘unhealthy’ for sensitive groups due to wildfire smoke – officials
Smoke levels are now mostly UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS across the Puget Sound region – Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
How to protect your children from wildfire smoke
Due to summer wildfires, children living on the West Coast have been breathing some of the most polluted air on record.