Air quality in parts of King County have reached unhealthy levels, as wildfire smoke spread across the Puget Sound region, prompting warnings from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and public health officials.

Conditions are currently “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” in areas of North and East King County and South and East Snohomish County.

Officials said smoke impacts may occur across the region over the next day. Westerly winds expected by Wednesday evening should help improve air quality.

Breathing wildfire smoke can severely affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and increase health risks, especially for sensitive populations. Health risks from wildfire smoke include:

Asthma attack
Chest pain
Coughing
Fast heartbeat
Headaches
Irritated sinuses
Stinging eyes
Trouble breathing

Take Precautions

Sensitive groups should take precautions, especially infants, children, and people over 65, or those who are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, or are stroke survivors:

Stay at home when possible. If you can’t stay cool at home or are especially sensitive to smoke, consider moving to a public place like a library, community center, or shopping mall, or to a friend or neighbor’s house. Call ahead to check if they have are open and have air conditioning or air filters. You can also search https://search.wa211.org/ for “extreme cooling shelters” near you on smoky or very hot days..
Limit your activity outdoors, such as running, bicycling, physical labor, sports, or hobbies.
If possible, close windows in your home to keep the indoor air clean. If you have an air conditioner, use it in recirculation mode.
- Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter or DIY box fan filter, if available. Make sure your home ventilation system is maintained following manufacturer recommendations (like replacing filters regularly). Don’t contribute to indoor air pollution and avoid burning candles or vacuuming.
Heat can be dangerous too. If it becomes unbearably hot, it’s better to open the windows for a short period of time.
Schools, camps, sports teams, and daycare providers should consider postponing outdoor activities or moving them indoors. More information here.
If you are unable to stay indoors when wildfire smoke is in the air, “N95” or “N100” masks offer protection from air pollution for most people. “N95” and “N100” masks protect wearers from particulate matter, but not from toxic gases that are also found in wildfire smoke. Please check with your doctor to see if this is appropriate for you. More information here.
- Other face coverings, such as surgical or cloth masks, are not recommended because they offer limited protection from air pollution and wildfire smoke.
People respond to smoke in different ways when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches different levels. Pay attention to symptoms that you or those you are caring for are experiencing and take the above steps to reduce exposures at lower smoke levels if needed.
Check with your health care provider for more specific health questions and concerns. As always, seek medical attention if symptoms are serious.