Washington health officials: Don't vacuum during smoky air without HEPA filter

SEATTLE — Poor air quality will be common across parts of the Pacific Northwest this week as winds push smoke from surrounding wildfires into the region, forecasters and regulators said.

Air quality alerts are in effect for much of Washington state through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials with the Washington State Department of Health shared tips on how to stay healthy during smoky wildfire air. 

"Don’t add to indoor pollution," officials with the department wrote. "Don’t use food boilers, candles, incense, fireplaces, or gas stoves."

"Don’t vacuum unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home," said Washington health officials.

Find a map here with real-time air quality conditions by city.

Monday, conditions around Washington state ranged from moderate to hazardous.

Smoky, hazy conditions are making a return to the Puget Sound region because of wildfires in British Columbia and the Cascade Mountains, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More smoke-related news from KIRO 7:

• How to protect yourself during smoke days 
• Smoke from brush fire near Maple Valley shuts down WB Highway 18 for hours
• Wildfire smoke causing flight delays at Sea-Tac Airport 
• When will smoke clear in Seattle? KIRO 7 PinPoint Meteorologist weighs in
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

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