The Right to Clean Air

By Skyler Noble & Lisa Woodard

Breathing clean air is a basic human right, and it can be put at risk through the increased presence of air pollutants, affecting our health and our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces. The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) measures and reports levels of three key air pollutants: fine particulate matter, coarse particulate matter, and ground-level ozone.

Ground-level ozone is most prevalent in the summer months under hot and sunny conditions. Compounds evaporated from common products (gasoline, paints, solvents, etc.) undergo a photochemical reaction to form ground-level ozone.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is mostly comprised of smoke and soot. It comes from combustion sources, such as motor vehicles, outdoor burning, wood heating, and wildfires. Fine particles are so small, they are easily inhaled and travel deep into the lungs.

Coarse particulate matter (PM10) is also harmful to breathe. These larger particles come mainly from resuspended road dust, open fields, and unpaved lots.

During the summer, residents of the Inland Northwest are often affected by dense smoke from local and regional wildfires. Local libraries operate as Safer Air Centers when

activated by the City of Spokane to provide community members with cleaner air indoors. To understand how the elements of air quality affect our well-being and health, it is important to monitor local air quality and take necessary precautions.

“We will continue to experience unhealthful levels of wildfire smoke, especially during the summer and early fall months,” said Lisa Woodard, Communications/Outreach Manager for SRCAA. “Therefore, it’s important for everyone to know where to access current air quality data and the recommended actions to reduce exposure to harmful smoke particles.”

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and Spokane Public Library (SPL) now offer hand-held AQgo air quality sensors through SPL’s Library of Things for the community to use for free with their library card. These sensors can be used to measure fine particles indoors and outside. It’s a tool to gauge how air quality varies depending on where you live. Since many factors affect your local air, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in one area may differ from the AQI across the city. Typically, during a wildfire smoke event, the AQI tracks fairly closely throughout the area. However, there are times when a localized event, like a house

fire, may send one monitor a lot higher than the rest of the city. This is why it’s important to check the air quality monitoring map for the location closest to you. In addition, all SPL locations host PurpleAir sensors you can check for the approximate AQI nearest you.

With wildfire season approaching, it’s important to know how you can keep yourself safe from harmful air. SRCAA and the Spokane Regional Health District provide many wildfire smoke resources on their respective websites.

Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) is the first step. Conditions can change rapidly during wildfire smoke season. For hourly updates, visit SpokaneCleanAir.org or AirNow.gov.

TIPS TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY

Limit or avoid active time outdoors

Visit a Safer Air Center at the Library Keep windows and doors closed

Switch air conditioners to the “recirculate” mode (at home & in the car).

Create a “cleaner-air” space in your home using a HEPA filter

Don’t smoke, burn candles or incense, use sprays, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Vacuuming and frying food should also be avoided.

Use the best filter your HVAC system will handle.

Check vehicle air filters and replace as necessary.

Reduce risk factors for children and pets by checking in with caretakers to see their plans for smoky conditions.