Carbon monoxide in Washington's air

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas emitted by any form of combustion. Common sources are:

• Motor vehicles
• Wood stoves and fireplaces
• Outdoor burning
• Industrial combustion

Carbon monoxide in Washington

In the late 1970s through early 1990s, carbon monoxide levels in some of Washington's urban areas were high enough to violate national standards. Parts of Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Vancouver, Spokane, and Yakima were not meeting the carbon monoxide standard. This is called nonattainment.

Along with our local partners, we acted on plans to bring carbon monoxide back to healthy levels. Part of the plan was an emission check program that identified high-polluting vehicles so they could be fixed. The most significant reductions came from tighter emission standards for motor vehicles. As older polluting cars were scrapped, they were replaced with newer, cleaner vehicles. By 2004, all areas in Washington met the national standard and were considered in attainment for carbon monoxide levels.

Maintaining clean air

Thanks to cleaner cars, Washington's carbon monoxide levels remain low. To make sure the air continues to meet the air quality standard, Ecology and local partners monitor air and plan for the future. Today, we monitor carbon monoxide at:

• Two locations in Seattle representing urban and near-road conditions.
• One location on the Olympic Peninsula representing background (or natural) conditions.

Levels in Washington are much lower than the standard, so there isn't a need for a larger carbon monoxide monitoring network.

What you can do

Protect your health from the effects of carbon monoxide:

• Keep the furnace vent (oil or gas) clear.
• Run an engine (like your car or a generator) only if a window or door is open.
• Keep fireplaces clean and well vented.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in your home; check the battery.
• Drive a cleaner vehicle.
• Try alternatives to burning yard waste.