Once again, residents of ORCAA’s six-county jurisdiction (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston) face an extreme heat event this summer, but this time wildfire smoke may also intrude on the region.
The heat event has the potential to generate a pollutant called Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol (SAO) which would show up as an elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution on ORCAA’s air quality monitors. There is also the potential for wildfire smoke to infiltrate the region, and create localized air pollution concerns in ORCAA’s jurisdiction, especially in Clallam and Jefferson Counties.
Should local air quality monitors show elevated PM pollution levels, anyone with breathing difficulties or existing cardiovascular issues should stay indoors when possible and take additional precautions as warranted. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties should consult with their health care providers.
ORCAA’s air quality monitoring network can be viewed here: https://www.www.orcaa.org/air-quality/current-air-quality/
To address concerns about health impacts of wildfire smoke, and how best to cope with these events in a healthful manner, visit the Washington Department of Health website at: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires
For more information on the formation of SAO, visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/2021/06/it-isnt-wildfire-smoke-in-western-wa.html
