pulished with permission – Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Ocean breezes temporarily improve air quality, but unhealthy levels of smog expected to again impact parts of King and Pierce counties
July 31, 2009 — The push of marine air that cooled our region down overnight has provided a temporary improvement to our smoggy air. However, with temperatures forecast to increase again over the weekend as a stagnant weather pattern redevelops, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency staff expect ozone pollution (smog) to again reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” category in many communities of the Cascade foothills.
Clean Air Agency forecasters say air quality on Friday will be “Good” in most areas of the Puget Sound region, yet still rising to “Moderate” levels on the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties.
Exposure to ground-level ozone can trigger asthma attacks, make breathing difficult, exacerbate lung and heart problems and weaken the immune system. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.
Smoggy conditions will mostly impact communities in the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties. These outlying suburban and rural areas accumulate pollution generated by traffic and activities in the urban areas of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma.
These conditions are expected to persist into mid-week next week. Monitor current ozone levels at www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqiozone.aspx#
To learn about the extended air quality forecast, read our forecast discussion at www.pscleanair.org/fcstdisc.aspx .
Minimizing summertime ozone takes year-round effort. It’s changing everyday behaviors that can add up to cleaner, less smoggy air. To learn more about smog and what you can to lessen the pollution leading up to it, visit www.pscleanair.org/smog .
