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Smoke on the Water

And ashes from the sky.

Some of you may have noticed a lovely layer of ash on your cars this morning or the not-actually-snowflakes tickling your nose. On the plus side, Mt. Rainier didn’t blow. On the downside, we have a lovely layer of smoke covering most of Washington state right now due to wildfires in Central Washington.

In addition to it looking like we’re in the middle of a Mad Max movie, there are some health concerns that go along with the smoky weather. Combined with the heat today, keep a watch out for your employees and coworkers. If you are working outside and are sensitive to smoke, grab an N95 or N100 mask with two straps.

Symptoms of wildfire smoke-related health problems are:

  • burning eyes
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • coughing
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • worsening of heart and lung conditions

Those who are particularly at risk?

  • people with heart and lung disease
  • people with respiratory infections
  • people with diabetes
  • infants and children
  • pregnant women
  • people over 65

If you do notice anyone having issues, please keep them indoors and keep their activity levels light.

Also, if you need a reminder about heat-related illness, check out our previous posts here and here.

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