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Outdoor Air Quality

Washington's Air

Washington’s air quality is good on most days, but there are times when air pollution can increase and threaten people's health. October through March winter weather patterns can cause stagnant air that traps pollutants and wood smoke near the ground. Several days of hot sunny weather in the summer can lead to higher levels of ozone at ground level, where people can breathe it. You often can't see or smell air pollution.  

EPA has established national air pollution limit standards for carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone, and sulfur dioxide. For more information, see EPA's six common air pollutants

People Most Affected

People most sensitive to air pollution are infants and children, adults age 65 and older, and those who suffer from the following health conditions: respiratory infections, heart and lung (including asthma) disease, and a history of stroke or diabetes. People who are obese may also be at higher risk. Sensitive people may have problems sooner and at lower levels of air pollution than other people.

When people are active, they breathe more air (and more pollutants) into their bodies. The level of outdoor activity that may cause immediate health problems at times of higher air pollution is not the same for everyone. For example, walking the dog may cause problems for some people, while others may not be affected until they do something more strenuous like running.

When air quality is poor, people should limit or postpone outdoor activities, especially if they have heart or lung problems. People with asthma should follow their management plan. If you don't have a plan, create one with the help of your doctor and the American Lung Association's asthma action plan.

Check Outdoor Air Quality

• Air Monitoring Sites - The Department of Ecology offers an interactive map showing air quality station data from around the state. Plan outdoor activities for days when air quality in your area is good (indicated by the green dots).

• Local Clean Air Agencies - These regional agencies offer information on air monitoring, burn bans, and much more.

• Air Quality Forecasts E-mails - Stay informed of local air quality conditions by signing up for American Lung Association's e-Forecast Service.

Common Sources of Air Pollution

• Cars, trucks, and other road vehicles.

• Non-highway vehicles and motor equipment.

• Wood stoves and fire places.

• Outdoor burning (backyard, farming, and forestry).

• Industries and factories.

• Wildfires.

Help Improve the Air We Breathe

• Follow burn bans issued by your Local Clear Air Agency.

• Replace uncertified wood stove. Switch to an electric, natural gas, propane, or certified wood stove.

• Avoid burning yard waste and other vegetation. Ecology's outdoor burning page offers alternatives to burning and the urban growth areas where burning is banned.

•  Limit driving. Take the bus or train, carpool, bike, and combine errands into one trip.

• Avoid car idling. This will also save gas money and keep the air cleaner.

• Use electric yard equipment instead of gas powered equipment.

Related Resources

• Smoke from Fires

• Indoor Air Quality

• Air Quality Data - Washington Tracking Network

• Air Quality - Department of Ecology

During the winter, wood smoke is the main source of fine particle air pollution in our state. Learn more about the health risks of smoke and how to prevent exposure to smoke from fires.

For more more information on certified burning devices and tips for burning more cleanly, see the Department of Ecology's wood stove and fireplace page. 

Highway vehicles cause more than half of Washington's air pollution. Fine particles and toxins in vehicle exhaust have been linked to lung and heart disease, and some cancers.