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For immediate release: December 15, 2005 (05-165)
Contacts:
Judy Bardin, Environmental
Health Assessments 360-236-3193
Glenn Kuper, Department of Ecology 360-407-6848
Jeff Smith, Communications Office
360-236-4072
Poor air quality due to air stagnation may affect health
OLYMPIA ¾ The second air stagnation event of the winter season is impacting air quality across the state. Because of the increased concern identified through recent health studies, the state Department of Health is taking a more active role in helping Ecology and local air agencies better inform the public. The Department of Health recommends that those who are sensitive to air pollution should limit time spent outdoors, and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants can have both long and short-term health effects. When levels of air pollution rise, the immediate health effects cause the most concern. Mounting research has shown that people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease go to the emergency room, are hospitalized, and may die from breathing elevated levels of air pollution. Twenty-five percent of Washington’s population over age 65 has reported having a cardiovascular disease. Many more residents have undiagnosed cardiovascular disease. Asthma rates in Washington are among the highest in the U.S. It is estimated that 400,000 adults and 120,000 youths in Washington State currently have asthma.
People who are more sensitive to air pollution include infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and cigarette smokers. Those with pre-existing lung and heart conditions such as those who have had a heart attack, angina, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis are especially at risk from air pollution. People who develop these symptoms should contact their health care provider and those who cannot reach their provider should call 911.
Air stagnation, also known as "inversion," can trap air pollutants near the ground, especially small particles from wood smoke and vehicle exhaust. This can cause concentrations of air pollutants to rise rapidly and may produce levels of concern for many residents. Extended forecasts indicate that the inversions are particularly bad for the Yakima Valley and will last at least until Friday for both eastern and western Washington. The Yakima Clean Air Agency has called a stage one burn ban that prohibits outdoor burning and use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves. The National Weather Service this week issued an air stagnation advisory for all parts of the state.
People at higher risk from exposure to stagnant air may experience symptoms earlier and at lower levels of exposure. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, pain in the left arm or jaw, sudden overwhelming fatigue, and rapid heart beat. Sudden symptoms of numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble speaking or seeing, loss of balance or a severe and intense headache are warning signs for stroke. Eye and respiratory tract irritation (stinging eyes, coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, runny nose, and headache) are common effects from breathing these pollutants and may be experienced by anyone.
Air quality information is available online at the Department of Ecology’s Air Quality Program (https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/aqp/Public/databyarea.shtml) Web site.
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