Air quality drops to Unhealthy due to wildfire smoke

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  Spokane Valley's air quality has fallen to the Unhealthy/Red categoryNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The air quality decline is due to smoke from regional wildfires“According to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, smoke from regional wildfires, combined with poor overnight ventilation, has resulted in poor air quality across the region.”
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  The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency reported the current Air Quality Index (AQI) is Unhealthy/Red“Air quality is currently in the Unhealthy/Red category, but is forecast to improve to AQI-Moderate/Yellow on Thursday and AQI-Good/Green on Friday.”
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  The Spokane Regional Health District reported the current Air Quality Index (AQI) is Unhealthy/Red“Air quality is currently in the Unhealthy/Red category, but is forecast to improve to AQI-Moderate/Yellow on Thursday and AQI-Good/Green on Friday.”
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  Conditions are expected to improve to Moderate/Yellow on Thursday“Air quality is currently in the Unhealthy/Red category, but is forecast to improve to AQI-Moderate/Yellow on Thursday and AQI-Good/Green on Friday.”
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  Conditions are expected to improve to Good/Green on Friday“Conditions are expected to improve, however, as the smoke is forecast to disperse throughout Thursday”
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  Poor overnight ventilation combined with wildfire smoke caused the air quality issue“According to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, smoke from regional wildfires, combined with poor overnight ventilation, has resulted in poor air quality across the region.”
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  Health officials urged residents to monitor air quality conditions at spokanecleanair.org“The current Air Quality Index is reported online at spokanecleanair.org/current-air-quality.”
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  Residents were urged to limit outdoor activities“Limit duration and intensity of outside physical activity.”
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  Those with pre-existing health conditions were advised to consult their healthcare providers“If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), or allergies, smoke may worsen symptoms (inability to breathe normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath).Seek medical attention when experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Dial 911 for emergency assistance if symptoms are serious.”
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  Residents with pre-existing health conditions were advised to take precautions to minimize smoke exposure“People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), or allergies, smoke may worsen symptoms (inability to breathe normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath).Seek medical attention when experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Dial 911 for emergency assistance if symptoms are serious.Steps to reduce exposure to smoke:Know the AQI for your area and actions to take (Air Quality Guide). Limit duration and intensity of outside physical activity.Stay inside with cleaner indoor air.Close windows and doors unless it is too hot to maintain safe temperatures.Don’t add to indoor air pollution, such as cigarette smoking or burning candles.Filter indoor air through an HVAC system, HEPA portable air cleaner, or DIY box fan filter.Set your air conditioning to recirculate.If unable to maintain clean air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air, such as a friend’s place, public space, or unimpacted area.If you must be outside, wear a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved particulate respirator, such as an N95 mask.”