Air quality has fallen to near hazardous levels in Vancouver as wildfire smoke settles into the area.
An Air Quality Index map maintained by the state Department of Ecology showed the AQI in Vancouver at 293, near the top end of the very unhealthy range, as of 4:15 p.m. A monitoring station in Yacolt showed levels at 127, which is in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range.
The rates air quality based on labels of good (0 to 50), moderate (51 to 100), unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150), unhealthy (151-200) and very unhealthy 201 to 300. Any reading above 300 is considered hazardous.
At very unhealthy levels, the state has advised that everyone should stay indoors, avoid all strenuous activity, close windows and doors if it’s not too hot, set your air conditioner to recirculate and use a HEPA air filter if possible.
If smoke levels increase to hazardous levels, the same recommendations apply, but officials also advise people with heart or lung disease, or those who have had a stroke, to consult their healthcare provider about leaving the area and wearing a properly-fitted respiratory mask if they must go outdoors.
The Southwest Washington Clear Air Agency issued a statement early Thursday afternoon that continued elevated levels of fine particulate matter has prompted it to extend its air pollution advisory through noon on Monday.
Clark County Public Health has advised that everyone, especially sensitive groups, should limit their time outdoors, avoid strenuous activities and choose light indoor activities.
“When air is smoky, even healthy people can have symptoms from wildfire smoke,” the Public Health advisory said.
Symptoms can range from minor irritation to life-threatening complications, including sore throat, headaches, burning eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
People most at risk from smoky are are children, adults older than 65, people with heart and lung disease, people with respiratory infections, people who have had a stroke or heart attack, pregnant women and people who smoke.
People with heart or lung diseases should follow medical management plans created with their health care providers, according to Public Health. Those experiencing serious symptoms when air is smoky, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, should seek immediate medical care.
Those also experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should act as though they may have COVID-19 and stay home and contact their health care provider to discuss COVID-19 testing and other possible reasons for illness.
“Early evidence indicates wildfire smoke exposures can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections, likely including COVID-19,” a Public Health statement said.
More information is available at Public Health’s website, https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/smoke-wildfires
