OLYMPIA– Washingtonians are breathing cleaner air today than they were two decades ago. The Washington Department of Ecology reports that as of this year, 100 percent of the state meets federal air quality standards. In 1995, nearly half the state’s population lived in areas not meeting federal air quality standards.
“There has been a lot of hard work by state and local governments to improve our air quality,” said Maia Bellon, Ecology’s director. “Air pollution is one of the biggest risks to public health we face today. However, the state’s air quality is still at risk.”
Fourteen Washington communities remain on the verge of violating air pollution limits for particulate matter, primarily from woodstoves. A recent report released by the American Lung Association listed Yakima and SeaTac among the top 25 cities most polluted by particle pollution.
Another cause for caution is the more stringent ozone pollution (smog) regulations the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to issue later this year.
Public health isn’t the only issue associated with violating air pollution limits. Businesses and local governments suffer economic consequences when air quality standards are not met. This makes permit requirements for new and expanding businesses much more stringent.
Ecology partners with local air agencies throughout the state to protect public health by ensuring air pollution meets required limits. Air pollution can affect people’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as act as carriers for toxics and cancer-causing materials.
