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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