WASHINGTON STATE -- Summer months bring warm, sunny weather and though we love the opportunity to get outside, this could mean bad things for our outdoor air quality. 

The State Department of Health says this is wildfire season and a time when ozone levels rise.

When this happens, smoke and exhaust fumes can fill up our airspace with toxic chemicals and particulates making it hard for people, especially those with heart and lung problems to breathe. 

Judy Bardin with the Department of Health says it’s important to look for indicators of high pollution levels especially when we’ve had a warm stretch.



Bardin says the elderly and children are most affected by poor air quality.

For more information on the affects of air pollution and an air quality map, visit the Department of Health website at www.doh.wa.gov