Wildfire Smoke Dirtiest Air Seattle-Tacoma

The American Lung Association said on April 21 that the Seattle-Tacoma metro area ranked eighth worst in the United States for short-term particle pollution in its 2026 “State of the Air” report. The group gave the region an “F” grade for short-term spikes in fine-particle pollution, or PM2.5, using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data from 2022 through 2024. The report adds a national ranking to what residents across western Washington have seen repeatedly in late summer and, in some years, earlier in the season: wildfire smoke can quickly turn a region known for marine air into one with hazardous breathing conditions. State and local agencies say the main public-health risk comes from fine particles that can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream. ### Why did Seattle-Tacoma land so high on a national pollution list? The American Lung Association said the Seattle-Tacoma area’s ranking was driven by short-term particle pollution, which measures spikes in daily soot levels rather than year-round averages. The group said its 2026 report used official EPA monitoring data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 to compare metro areas and counties across the country. (lung.org) Carrie Nyssen, senior director of advocacy for the American Lung Association, said in the group’s Washington release that too many people in the Seattle-Tacoma area are living with unhealthy levels of particle pollution. The organization linked the worsening pattern in Washington and other western states to wildfire smoke, which has become a larger driver of bad-air days than it was a decade ago. (lung.org) ### What exactly is in wildfire smoke that worries health officials? The Washington Department of Ecology says wildfire smoke is the largest source of particle pollution in the state. The agency says smoke contains tiny particles that can trigger wheezing and coughing and worsen heart and lung disease, and in severe cases contribute to death. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says those particles are especially dangerous for infants, children, people over 65, pregnant people, and people with asthma, COPD, diabetes, respiratory infections, heart disease or a history of stroke. (lung.org) The agency says wildfire smoke can severely affect respiratory and cardiovascular systems, with the greatest risks falling on sensitive groups. ### How should people read the air-quality numbers during a smoke event? (ecology.wa.gov) AirNow says its maps show the current Air Quality Index based on whichever pollutant is highest, including particulate matter during smoke events. Washington’s Department of Ecology says the colored dots on its air-quality map correspond to EPA AQI categories and related health warnings, and the state can add temporary monitors during wildfire periods. (pscleanair.gov) The Washington Department of Health says residents should use AirNow, the Washington Smoke Blog and the state air-quality map to check current conditions and forecasts. The department describes the Washington Smoke Blog as the state’s central source for wildfire and smoke information during smoke season, which it says typically runs from July to September but can begin as early as May and last into October. (airnow.gov) ### What are agencies telling people to do when smoke moves in? Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says people should reduce outdoor activity when the air looks or smells smoky and check the monitor closest to them. The agency recommends using a HEPA filter or a MERV-13-or-better filter with a box fan, setting up a closed “clean room” at home, and seeking cleaner indoor air in large air-conditioned buildings such as libraries or community centers if needed. (doh.wa.gov) N95 or N100 masks provide the most effective protection from air pollution when used properly, the agency says, though it describes masks as a last resort and advises people to consult a doctor about whether they are appropriate. The agency says surgical and cloth masks offer limited protection against wildfire smoke. ### Where can residents watch for the next update? The Washington Department of Health says residents can monitor AirNow and the Washington Air Quality Network through the Air Quality Washington app for current and forecast conditions. (pscleanair.gov) The Department of Ecology says its smoke forecast map provides a five-day forecast in summer, while Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says its regional sensor map tracks fine-particle pollution across King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. (doh.wa.gov)