08/03/2026
Wildfires, car exhaust and smokestacks release pollution and smoke into the air, often leading to poor air quality. When the air is less safe to breathe, it is important to take certain precautions to keep the lungs healthy.
Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from poor-quality air.
💨Monitor local air quality. Refer to local air quality reports and keep track of when the air outside is unsafe to breathe. https://www.airnow.gov/, the EPA’s air quality monitoring website, contains data about air quality across the country.
💨Stay inside. If possible, stay indoors to limit exposure to smoke and pollutants. Close windows and doors and run air conditioners in recirculation mode to prevent outside air from entering the home.
💨Wear a mask outside. If going outside is absolutely necessary, wear a well-fitted mask. If you don’t have one at home, finding one at a local store shouldn’t be too difficult.
💨Avoid outdoor exercise. When outside, avoid overexertion. Strenuous activities will put stress on the lungs, which are already working hard to filter through the polluted air.
AMR Yakima’s top priority is the health and safety of the communities we serve. For more information on poor air quality safety, visit https://www.ncoa.org/.
