Smoky air from wildfires is expected in our region this week. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the agency that oversees outdoor air quality, is reporting air quality levels will likely be MODERATE to UNHEALTHY for sensitive groups for the first half of the week.

Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some groups are more sensitive to smoke, including:

• Children and teens
• People with asthma, lung or heart disease, diabetes, or who have had a heart attack or stroke
• Anyone who is pregnant
• Anyone older than 65
• People who smoke
• People who have colds, the flu, COVID, and other illnesses.

You can find local air quality and wildfire smoke forecasts at AirNow.gov or on weather apps. Smoke conditions change frequently so check often.

Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please talk with your supervisor about the actions listed in this article. Departments may provide specific guidance for their employees. Read more.