Air quality measured at 'very unhealthy' in Anacortes

A reading in the very unhealthy range, of 241 for fine particulate matter, PM2.5, was recorded Tuesday morning at the air quality monitor at 202 O Avenue, Anacortes. A reading of 167 PM2.5, unhealthy, was made at the S. 2nd Street Mount Vernon monitor.

At very unhealthy readings everyone needs to stay indoors. Do only light indoor activities. Keep windows closed if it is not too hot. At unhealthy levels, everyone must limit their time spent outdoors, avoiding outdoor exercise and choosing non-strenuous indoor activities.

An air quality alert for smoke was issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, Northwest Clean Air Agency and other regional agencies. It reads: “Unhealthy air has become common across the area due to smoke from wildfires. Expect to see some improvement in the air quality late Wednesday. The smoke should be mostly or completely out of the area by this weekend. Children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory illnesses are most at risk of serious health effects. If you experience respiratory distress, you should speak with your doctor.

“For current current air quality conditions, health precautions and additional information on wildland fire smoke, visit the Washington Smoke Blog at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com.”

Call 911 if you develop serious symptoms or have trouble breathing. To contact the county health department: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires, 360-416-1500.

It is in effect until 5 p.m. today.

There are some 450 fires burning in British Columbia the Canadian government reports.