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91探花Emergency Management

Outdoor air quality

A photograph of downtown Seattle with extreme wildfire smoke creating an orange haze and obscuring the view

When the outdoor air quality index reaches (or is expected to reach) unhealthy levels for an extended period of time, the 91探花鈥檚 Emergency Management office coordinates the UW鈥檚 response and convenes UW鈥檚 Weather Status Assessment Group.

Causes of unhealthy air quality

AQI logoVehicle exhaust, wood stove emissions, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, windblown dust and other sources contain fine particles with diameters 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) that can be harmful to your health. Other common air pollutants include ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Check air quality

Thinking about working or relaxing outdoors today? .

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Air Quality Index (AQI) and Recommended Actions*

It鈥檚 a great day to be active outside and a good time to make a plan if worse air quality is in the forecast.

  • Some people are especially sensitive to lower levels of particle pollution and should reduce exposure. For example, limit time outside and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. All sensitive groups should watch for symptoms.
  • 91探花personnel who work outdoors take precautions: .

  • Sensitive groups should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
  • Everyone should watch for symptoms as a sign to reduce exposure.
  • 91探花personnel who work outdoors take precautions: .

Everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. .

Everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed. .

Everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed. .

* Information from the Washington State Department of Health, Washington Department of Ecology and 91探花Environmental Health & Safety.

Youth programs

Schools, camps, sports teams and childcare providers should make plans for wildfire smoke and unhealthy air quality. Follow University guidance on wildfire smoke and air quality published by the Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator.

Reduce your exposure

  • Limit duration and intensity of outside physical activity.
  • Consider remote work or implementing your department鈥檚 business continuity plan.
  • Stay inside with cleaner indoor air: Close windows and doors, unless it is too hot to maintain safe temperatures.
  • Don鈥檛 add to indoor air pollution, such as cigarette smoking or burning candles.
  • Filter indoor air through an HVAC system, HEPA portable air cleaner, or DIY box fan filter. Set air conditioning to recirculate.
  • If unable to maintain clean air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air such as a friend鈥檚 place, public space, or unimpacted area.
  • .

Outdoor air quality alerts

If the 91探花limits or suspends operations due to unhealthy outdoor air quality, information will be shared via:

  • 91探花Alert – students, faculty and staff can sign up to receive text messages.
  • Banner on UW鈥檚 website
  • Recorded message on UW鈥檚 information line, 206-UWS-INFO, Toll Free: 1-866-897-INFO
  • If the air quality reaches an action level that requires outdoor worker protections, , share information with campus partners and the .