Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke contains many components that are potentially harmful, but the main harmful pollutant for people who are not very close to the fire is “particulate matter” – the tiny particles suspended in the air.  The primary concern are the particulates that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter (commonly referred to as PM_2.5).  These particulates can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, heart failure, and early death.

Everyone has some degree of sensitivity to PM_2.5, particularly as concentrations increase.  However, some people  are more sensitive to particulate exposure at lower levels.

People who are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health effects as a result of exposure to wildfire smoke include those with preexisting health conditions; those with increased duration of exposure; and those whose work results in an increased breathing rate, including outdoor workers.

Examples of sensitive groups include:

• People with lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including bronchitis and emphysema, and those who smoke;
• People with respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, colds, flu, or those with, or recovering from COVID-19;
• People with existing heart or circulatory problems, such as irregular heart beat, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, angina, and those who have had a heart attack or stroke;
• Children under 18 years old, and adults over age 65;
• People who are pregnant;
• People with diabetes;
• People with other medical or health conditions that can be exacerbated by exposure to wildfire smoke as determined by a physician;
• Outdoor

The Washington State Department of Health classifies outdoor workers as a sensitive group with increased risk, as well as:

• People with health conditions:
  • Lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD;
  • Heart diseases;
  • Respiratory diseases;
  • Diabetes
• People 18 and younger, or older than 65;
• Pregnant people;
• People of color;
• Tribal and indigenous people;
• People with low income

WSU encourages employees with health conditions that may be negatively affected by smoke exposure to make arrangements for an accommodation in advance, if available, which could include an assignment to indoor work.

Employees experiencing adverse health effects associated with smoke exposure are encouraged to seek medical treatment following established departmental leave policies.

Employees and supervisors are also encouraged to monitor others for signs of adverse health impacts, and notify supervisors and/or EHS if someone appears to be suffering adverse effects.  In extreme cases, emergency assistance should be summoned by calling 911.

WSU Tri-Cities will reference the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Air Monitoring Network to evaluate current smoke conditions.  The nearest network device which provides readings for particulate matter (PM_2.5) found in smoke is the Kennewick-Metaline site, located near the intersection of Metaline & Union in Kennewick.  Employees can access the air monitoring network at https://enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/map, and should select the “PM2.5” button at the top of the page to view the relevant sites.  Regulatory action levels are determined based on PM_2.5 concentrations, typically in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m³).  A unitless Air Quality Index is also often reported, but is not used as the action level

EHS will check PM_2.5 concentrations multiple times per day, starting at approximately 8:00AM.  Supervisors are encouraged to monitor PM_2.5 concentrations where they have outdoor workers, particularly if their shifts begin before 8:00AM, via the Department of Ecology’s Air Monitoring Network for non-Pullman locations.

Other monitoring networks are available, such as www.AirNow.gov, but the Department of Ecology site will be used to guide decisions for campus.

When employees may be exposed to PM2.5 due to wildfire smoke, WSU Tri-Cities will take the following actions once two consecutive readings meet the indicated thresholds:

As air quality deteriorates, methods must be implemented to reduce exposure of employees working outdoors.  This may include reducing time spent outdoors, increasing rest time and frequency in indoor spaces, reducing intensity of work, or other appropriate methods.  Supervisors are encouraged to work with EHS to identify control methods.

When PM_2.5 concentrations reach the levels described in the preceding section, EHS will notify employees through mass e-mail to campus.  Those employees who regularly work outdoors – meaning maintenance and grounds staff – will also be notified by 2-way radio.

As higher levels are reached, EHS will include a note to supervisors that direct contact must be made with employees working outdoors, in order to provide those employees with the appropriate respiratory protection.

Employees who work outdoors are also requested to notify their supervisor and/or EHS if they notice that air quality is deteriorating, and if they or any nearby coworkers are suffering any symptoms due to air quality.

Respirators can be an effective way to protect employee health by reducing exposure to wildfire smoke, when they are properly selected and worn.

When PM2.5 concentrations are below 555 ug/m³, N95 masks will be available for use by employees working outdoors.  These are often commonly referred to as “dust masks” or “painter’s masks.”  Surgical masks, bandannas, cloth masks, and KN95 masks (a Chinese version of the N95) will not be acceptable for use.

N95 masks will be provided with the following caveats:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the respirator’s use, maintenance, cleaning and care, along with any warnings regarding the respirator’s limitations. The manufacturer’s instructions for medical evaluations, fit testing, and shaving should also be followed to ensure the best protection against wildfire smoke.
• These respirators shall not be worn in areas where the air contains contaminants for which the respirator is not designed. A respirator designed to filter particles will not protect you against gases or vapors, and it will not supply oxygen.
• You should keep track of your respirator so you do not mistakenly use someone else’s respirator.
• Particularly if you have a heart or lung problem, or if you have other medical problems and have questions about whether it is safe for you to wear a respirator, you should talk to your doctor before wearing one.  If you have concerns about your ability to safely wear a respirator, please discuss an alternate accommodation with your supervisor and/or WSU Human Resource Services.

How to properly put on, use, and maintain the respirators provided by the employer.

To get the most protection from a respirator, there must be a tight seal around the face. A respirator will provide much less protection if facial hair interferes with the seal.

The proper way to put on a respirator depends on the type and model of the respirator.

For those who use an N95 or other filtering facepiece respirator that is made of filter material:

• Place the mask over the nose and under the chin, with one strap placed below the ears and one strap above.
• Pinch the metal part (if there is one) of the respirator over the top of the nose so it fits securely.
• Perform a seal check:
  • Cover the respirator with both hands and exhale. If air leaks where the respirator seals against the face, adjust the respirator and nosepiece and try again. When a proper fit is achieved, the respirator should bulge from the face and not leak around the seal.
  • Cover the respirator with both hands and inhale. If air leaks where the respirator seals against the face, adjust the respirator and nosepiece and try again. When a proper fit is achieved, the respirator should collapse slightly and not leak around the seal.

Other Respirators

There are other types of respirators that are available, such as:

• Loose-fitting powered air purifying respirator; or
• Full-facepiece air purifying respirator; or
• Full-facepiece powered air purifying respirator

These respirators are more protective than N95s. However, these require additional training as well as annual fit testing, and a medical evaluation.  For some of these, you must be clean shaven to wear them use.

These types of respirators are not required until PM_2.5 concentrations reach 555 ug/m³.  In most cases, it will be impractical for employees to wear these while performing duties outside.  Based on this and the additional requirements for their use, to the extent possible outdoor work will be curtailed rather than providing respirators for all employees.