Particle pollution in Washington's air

Ecology and local clean air agencies monitor particle pollution in the air to make sure it doesn't reach harmful levels. We work to reduce particle pollution by recommending cleaner wood stoves and reducing outdoor burning when possible. We track particle pollution in current air quality conditions.

Large circle representing a grain of sand as PM90. A medium circle is a human hair as PM50-70. A small circle is dust, pollen, and mold as PM10. The smallest circle is soot as PM2.5. — Fine particles smaller than a human hair and grain of sand are harmful to your health.

What is particle pollution?

Particle pollution, also called particulate matter (PM), is a mixture of tiny solids or liquid droplets that includes smoke, soot, dirt, and dust floating in the air. Common sources are:

Wood stoves and fireplaces
Vehicles
Dust from construction and agriculture
Outdoor burning
Industrial facilities
Wildfires

When we breathe, our nose or sinuses capture many of the particles in the air before they get to our lungs. However, smaller particles may escape these defenses and move deeper into our lungs, causing health problems. For this reason, Ecology monitors two specific size ranges of small particles:

PM₁₀ — particles less than 10 micrometers
PM_2.5 — particles less than 2.5 micrometers

Maintaining clean air

Today, all of Washington meets air quality standards for particle pollution, but there are several areas of concern that are being watched closely. To make sure the air continues to meet air quality standards, we and our partners monitor the air at 55 sites using Washington's Air Monitoring Network.

Twenty-two are in urban areas (the Puget Sound region, Vancouver, Spokane, and Yakima Counties, and the Tri-Cities).
Nineteen are in small communities outside of urban areas that have local sources of PM_2.5 pollution.
Seven are in agricultural areas and are used to inform agricultural burning decisions.
Six are in tribal areas. These monitors are run by our tribal partners.
One is in a natural rural location on the Olympic Peninsula.

Areas of concern for particulate matter

Select >> to view legend or enlarge the map.

Environmental effects
Health effects

Particle pollution is not just a problem for people. Particulates can be carried on the wind, land in streams or lakes, or get into the soil. This causes:

Streams to become acidic.
A change in the nutrient balance in coastal water and large river basins.
Deficiencies in soil nutrients in the soil.
Damage to forests and crops.
A change in ecosystem diversity.

Particle pollution affects the airways and lungs, and can cause problems in other parts of your body. It's especially bad for those with chronic heart and lung disease (like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema), children, and the elderly. It worsens these diseases, which can lead to hospitalization or even early death.

Children are at high risk because their lungs are still growing and they spend more time at high activity levels. Exercise and physical activity cause people to breathe faster and more deeply, taking more particles into their lungs.

Even if you’re healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system.

To reduce air pollution:

Drive less: Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk.
Obey burn bans. Don’t burn leaves, garbage, plastic, or rubber.
Turn off your vehicle's engine when waiting in a line or in a parking lot.
Use dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace or wood stove.

To avoid air pollution:

Pay attention to current air quality and air quality forecasts when you're headed outside. On days when air quality is unhealthy, choose a less difficult activity, reschedule, or shorten the time you spend outdoors.

To reduce indoor air pollution:

Build your own clean air fan.
Don't smoke inside.
Don't use your wood stove and fireplace unless it's your only source of heat.
Use a HEPA air filter in your furnace.
Don’t burn candles.

Contact information

Matt Kadlec
Toxicologist
matt.kadlec@ecy.wa.gov
360-522-0701

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Particle pollution in Washington's air

What is particle pollution?

Maintaining clean air

Areas of concern for particulate matter

Related links

Contact information