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Summer has finally arrived! But with summer's weather comes a not-so-pleasant reality: dry, hot weather can contribute to higher levels of ground level ozone pollution and fine smoke and dust particles.
You can help reduce summertime pollutants, like ground level ozone and fine particles. Click on the categories below for "clean air" tips to get you started.
Fine particles of smoke can make their way to Spokane from regional wildfires. When inhaled, these microscopic particles travel deep into the lungs, damaging delicate lung tissue. Breathing these particles are especially harmful to those suffering from existing heart and lung diseases, as well as the pregnant and the elderly.
Ground-level ozone is a hazardous pollutant. Ozone can be "good" or "bad" depending  on where it is. In the Earth's upper atmosphere, ozone forms a protective layer against UV radiation.
At ground level, ozone is harmful air pollutant and a primary component of smog. It is formed when vapors from gasoline and other emissions "bake" in the presence of sunlight, creating ozone pollution.
Breathing ground-level ozone pollution can lead to respiratory problems and can worsen asthma. Even healthy adults who work or exercise outside can be affected by elevated ozone pollution.
What is the standard for ozone and does Spokane meet the standard?
The Spokane-area currently meets the health-based standard for ozone, although we have seen summer ozone levels approach the standard. In May 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued tougher air quality standards to better protect public health from ground-level ozone. The stricter standard is 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over eight hours. By end of summer, EPA will finalize a new, more stringent standard, somewhere between the range of 0.070 - 0.060 ppm.
Scientific evidence shows that lung damage caused by continual exposure to lower levels of ozone air pollution poses the greatest health risk. The eight-hour standard provides a higher level of protection, especially for children and adults who spend a lot of time working of playing outdoors.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
- Pay attention to air quality. Current and forecasted air quality is available at your fingertips. You can go to www.spokanecleanair.org and click on "air quality now" or you can call the Air Quality Index hotline at 477-2571.
- On "moderate" ozone level days (condition "yellow" on the Air Quality Index) unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
- When ozone reaches the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category (Orange) active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
Summer & Fall Events
Throughout the year, Spokane Clean Air participates in many community events. Come join the fun and learn more about air quality and your health.
July 9 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Discovery Park, 2426 North Discovery Place (part of Mirabeau Park).
August 14 – Kid's Day, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., at Riverfront Park.
August 21 - Unity in the Community, at Riverfront Park.
August 22 - Summer Parkways, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Corbin Park
September 10 - 19 - Spokane Interstate Fair, at the Spokane County fairgrounds.
September 25-26 - Valleyfest at Mirabeau Park, 2426 North Discovery Place. Hours are Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 8-10 – Home Idea Show, at the county fairgrounds. Hours are Friday 12 - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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