Air quality in Pierce County, fouled by smoke from wildfires statewide and British Columbia, could remain unhealthy for the next several days, which is causing local and state authorities on Thursday to issue a health advisory and expand an already-existing burn ban.
According to the state Department of Ecology, the smoke can cause health concerns for everyone, especially people with existing health conditions.
“The unhealthy air quality can make it difficult to breathe, even for healthy people,” said Judy Olsen, a Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department environmental health specialist.
Olsen said hot weather, such as the days that this week that temperatures reached well into the 80s and 90s, “can complicate the situation for some people, so residents should consult their doctors if they have questions.”
The Washington State Department of Health recommends clubs and organizations cancel youth outdoor events when the air quality is rated unhealthy or very unhealthy. This includes youth sports camps, practices, or games. The agency also recommends you avoid outside exercise when the air quality is unhealthy.
Potential health effects of unhealth air include:
• Heart palpitations.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing.
• Eye and sinus irritation.
People with heart or lung diseases, such as asthma or COPD, those who have had a stroke, and older adults and children are among those most at risk of the health effects, officials said. They should check with their healthcare providers about how to manage during times of unhealthy air quality.
Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately or by calling 9-1-1.
Meanwhile, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce, King, Kitsap and Snohomish counties. The ban means outdoor fires are prohibited. The ban, which previously allowed some recreational burning, now includes:
• Charcoal barbeques.
• Fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls, or similar free-standing devices.
• Campfires or bonfires.
• Fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves, or uncertified inserts.
• Agricultural fires (as described in the agricultural burn permit).
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