UW urges people to prep for smoky air
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SEATTLE – With several large wildfires burning across the Pacific Northwest, the University of Washington School of Medicine advises everyone to be prepared on how to deal with wildfire smoke. Pulmonologist Dr. Cora Sack encourages the public not to wait for the sky to turn hazy.
“Have a plan for what to do if the days get smoky,” Sack said.
People should find out where to go for safe breathing, how to prepare homes, and speak with doctors about possible health impacts due to poor air quality according to Sack. Be alert for symptoms like burning or itchy eyes, sore throat, headache, and nausea.
“The groups that are most susceptible to the health effects of wildfire smoke includes the elderly or those over the age of 65, people with underlying health conditions like lung or heart disease, pregnant women, and infants,” Sack said. There are various things someone can do to improve air quality in a home. Those include closing windows and doors, putting air conditioning on recirculate, and changing filters if needed. Those without central air could invest in a portable HEPA air filter or use a box fan with a filter placed in front of it.
File photo from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
