With Smoke In The Air, Outdoor Workers Need To Use Caution

As wildfire smoke becomes a more common summertime occurrence across the West, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is reminding outdoor workers, especially farm workers, to take precautions when air quality drops.

Fine particles in wildfire smoke, the Department noted, can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma attacks, heart problems, strokes, and respiratory illness.  Employers covered by Washington's wildfire smoke rules are required to have plans to protect workers from smoke exposure.

Health officials provided several recommendations to help people remain safe when the air quality is poor:

• Stay Indoors — Keep windows closed and use air conditioning in recirculation mode. 
• Use air filters — Air purifiers with HEPA filters or do-it-yourself box fan filters can help clean indoor air. 
• Avoid outdoor activity — Limit exercise and physical labor outside. 
• Wear NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators — These protect against particulate matter, unlike cloth or surgical masks. 

Washington farm workers can check their local air quality by visiting these websites:

• Washington Department of Ecology  
• Washington Smoke Information 
• EPA's Fire and Smoke Map 

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