Air quality studies

We sometimes conduct special studies to better understand air quality issues in a specific location and identify ways to improve air quality. When we develop these studies, we often partner with research facilities such as Washington State University.

The skyline of Yakima, Wash. with a snow-capped mountain in the background that is a little hazy due to air pollution.

Ozone studies

Ozone high in the atmosphere protects people from the sun's harmful radiation. But ground-level ozone harms people and plants. It forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with each other in sunlight and hot temperatures. This pollution comes from vehicles, industry, and other sources and contributes to smog formation.

Although the state currently meets the national ozone standards, we continue to watch the following areas closely:

Western foothills of Cascade Mountains
Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland)

Tri-Cities Ozone Precursor Study

In summer 2016, we partnered with Washington State University and the Benton Clean Air Agency to conduct the Tri-Cities Ozone Precursor Study. This study measured precursors of ozone, including nitrogen and volatile organic compounds at two sites in the Tri-Cities, as well as from a mobile platform that drove throughout the region.

What happens next

We 're partnering with Benton Clean Air Agency to identify and implement reduction measures and raise public awareness. Meanwhile, you can take several important steps to reduce ozone in your community.

To learn more read the full report, view the brochure, or browse through the storymap below.

View a fully functional and enlarged version of this map.

Particulate matter studies

One of the air quality issues facing Washington is particle pollution, especially those particles that are 2.5 micrometers (PM_2.5) in diameter or smaller. These particles can pass through the throat and nose into the lungs.

People with heart or lung diseases, children, and older adults are more likely to be irritated by particle pollution exposure. These particles can compromise health by causing:

An earlier death in people with heart or lung disease.
Higher chance of heart attacks.
Airway irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, and increased asthma symptoms.

Read about the studies we conducted:

Yakima air wintertime nitrate study

When routine air testing showed that higher-than-usual nitrate levels were detected in the Yakima area, we commissioned research by Washington State University (WSU) and Central Washington University (CWU) to find out what was causing the elevated levels.

About 25 percent of Yakima’s wintertime particle pollution (PM_2.5) is made up of nitrate in the air. These nitrate levels were higher than anywhere else in the state. Researchers at WSU and CWU monitored Yakima’s air quality over three weeks in January 2013 to better understand the high nitrate levels. The most likely cause of high nitrate levels was determined to be the interaction of:

Ammonia from agricultural activities.
Oxides of nitrogen from vehicles.
The right weather conditions.

The solution to reduce nitrate particles in Yakima has not yet been determined and requires a detailed air quality modeling study.

Tacoma-Pierce County PM2.5 nonattainment area study

In December 2009, EPA classified the Tacoma-Pierce County area as a nonattainment area (not meeting an air quality standard) because fine particle (PM_2.5) pollution levels did not meet healthy limits from 2006 – 2008. We were required to develop an air quality plan called a State Implementation Plan (SIP) showing what actions would be taken to control air pollution in the area. Wood smoke was found to contribute more than half of the PM_2.5 measured during the winter. Fine particles from wood smoke and industry have declined each year since 2006.

Tacoma-Pierce County PM2.5 Nonattainment Area Study

2012 airport lead study

Contact information

Sean Lundblad
Air Quality Assurance Unit
sean.lundblad@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6843