Seattle's Air Quality Is Among The Worst In The Nation

The regional air quality forecast for Thursday, Oct. 20, is unhealthy conditions for all residents, especially for sensitive groups. Multiple wildfires in the Cascades caused unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties on Wednesday. The unhealthy air quality can cause health symptoms like itchy eyes, sore throat, and headache to more serious symptoms for at-risk groups. 

Doctors are worried about long-term health impacts on those that can’t come inside. Prolonged outdoor activity is not advisable.

“We're worried about people who are maybe occupationally exposed to higher levels of smoke like a firefighter who's outdoors fighting wildfire smoke for 12 hours a day for the whole season,” said Dr. Cora Sack, a pulmonologist at the UW Medicine in the Department of Medicine and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

Dr. Sack said older adults, pregnant women, and younger children are also at a higher risk. 

“People should limit the amount of time they're doing strenuous activity outdoors,” she added.

And so to protect student health, Seattle Public Schools follows recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health. Schools must keep all students indoors and keep activity levels light in activities such as recess and physical education classes. Cancel athletic events and practices or move them to an area with safer air quality, either indoors or to a different location. 

Everyone can reduce their exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.  

All are advised that the air quality alert will stay in place until Thursday evening.