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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_03_16_Packet-RevisedWA STATE WILDFIRE SMOKE PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE Kaitlyn Kelly, MPH Air Quality Policy Specialist •Eye, nose, and throat irritation •Cough, wheeze, shortness of breath •Headaches •Fatigue •Irregular heartbeat, chest pain •Overall increase in hospitalizations & deaths Minor to deadly responses to wildfire smoke Washington State Department of Health | 3 Sensitive Groups with Increased Risk •People with health conditions •Lung & heart diseases •Respiratory illness •Diabetes •People 18 and younger •People 65 years and older •Pregnant people •Outdoor workers •People of color •Tribal and indigenous people •People with low income 1. Stay updated on current and forecast air quality •Check the air quality index (AQI) 2. Reduce exposure •Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity •Limit time outdoors 3. Stay inside with cleaner indoor air •Close windows and doors, unless its too hot to maintain safe temperatures •Don’t add to indoor air pollution •Filter indoor air ▪HVAC system with a MERV 13 filter ▪Portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter ▪DIY box fan filter •If unable to maintain clean air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air, such as a friend’s or public space 4. Pay attention to symptoms •Seek medical help if needed Steps to reduce exposure to smoke Washington State Department of Health | 5 Smoke from Fires Webpage Available in 9 languages www.doh.wa.gov/smokefromfires Audience: general public Washington State Department of Health | 6 Smoke from Fires Toolkit https://doh.wa.gov/community-and- environment/air-quality/smoke- fires/smoke-wildfires-toolkit Audience: air quality, health, and other officials making local decisions Washington State Department of Health | 7 WA Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution WA Air Quality Guide for School and Child Care Activities WA Guide for Public Health Actions for Wildfire Smoke Audience: general public Audience: those making decisions on children’s outdoor activities Audience: air quality, health, and other officials making local decisions State Wildfire Smoke Guidance  Washington State Department of Health | 8 Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Cancelling Outdoor Public Events or Activities Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools Audience: local public health officers Audience: local decision makers and partners Audience: local decision makers and partners State Wildfire Smoke Guidance Washington State Department of Health | 9 Washington Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution Available in 12 languages on our Smoke from Fires toolkit WA Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution Audience: general public Washington State Department of Health | 11 Washington Air Quality Guide for School and Child Care Activities Washington State Department of Health | 13 Washington Air Quality Guide for School and Child Care Activities Washington State Department of Health | 14 Washington Guide for Public Health Actions for Wildfire Smoke Washington State Department of Health | 18 Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools Washington State Department of Health | 19 Summary Guidance Questions? @WADeptHealth Air Quality Policy Specialist 360-236-3181 Kaitlyn Kelly, MPH Kaitlyn.Kelly@doh.wa.gov To request this document in another format, call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.