Greta Jimenez
Walla Walla, Washington has a history of poor air quality, with the county seat recording a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 163 in 2021, deemed unhealthy. The primary sources of air pollution in Walla Walla are wildfires, both local and wind-blown from other parts of the country. During wildfire season, the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health advises residents to stay indoors, minimize physical activities, and keep windows closed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 22 (Good) as of 21 February 2025 |
| AQI in the last 24 hours | Fluctuating between 17 (Good) and 33 (Good) |
| Worst month for air pollution in 2020 | September (69.1 µg/m³, "Unhealthy") |
| Air pollution sources | Wildfires, both local and wind-blown particles from fires in other parts of the US |
| Stationary industrial sources | Pulp and paper mills, factories burning fossil fuels |
| Stationary area sources | Prescribed burning, residential wood use, light industry, and other residential, commercial, and institutional sources |
| Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) | 77.9 µg/m³, over seven times the World Health Organization's recommended level of 10 µg/m³ |
| Respirable particulate matter (PM10) | N/A |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) | N/A |
| Sulfur dioxide (SO2) | N/A |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) | N/A |
| Ozone (O3) | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
High levels of PM2.5
Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is a complex mixture of solids and aerosols composed of small droplets of liquid, dry solid fragments, and solid cores with liquid coatings. These particles are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and are inhalable into the lungs, where they can induce adverse health effects. PM2.5 is a component of PM10, which includes particles with diameters of up to 10 microns.
PM2.5 is primarily produced by the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood. It is also formed through chemical reactions of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as certain organic compounds emitted by natural and anthropogenic sources. These particles have large surface areas relative to their size, allowing them to carry various toxic substances.
The health effects of PM2.5 are a significant concern, particularly for older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children, and asthmatics. Research has shown that children living in areas with high levels of PM2.5 experience slower lung growth and have smaller lungs at age 18 compared to those in low PM2.5 areas. Additionally, PM2.5 can damage DNA and suppress DNA repair, leading to irreversible issues such as teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis.
When air quality is poor due to high levels of PM2.5, several measures are recommended to protect community health. These include staying indoors, limiting outdoor activities, and keeping windows closed. For those who must be outdoors, wearing N-95 respirator masks is advised.
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Wildfires and air pollution
Wildfires are a significant contributor to air pollution, and this is a concern in Walla Walla, Washington. Wildfires produce a range of harmful air pollutants, from cancer-causing substances to tiny particles that can aggravate existing health problems and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. These tiny particles, known as particulate matter (PM), are the main pollutant of concern from wildfire smoke.
PM can be categorised into two main groups based on aerodynamic diameter: coarse particles (PM10-2.5) and fine particles (PM2.5). Coarse particles are generally larger than 2.5 micrometres (µm) and smaller than or equal to 10 µm in diameter. While coarse particles are primarily generated from mechanical operations such as construction and agriculture, a small percentage may be present in wildfire smoke.
Fine particles, on the other hand, are the main pollutant emitted from wildfire smoke, comprising approximately 90% of the total particle mass. These particles are generally 2.5 µm in diameter or smaller and can include ultrafine particles with diameters of less than 0.1 µm. Due to their small size, these particles can easily penetrate homes and buildings, increasing indoor particle concentrations. They can get deep into the lungs and the tiniest ultrafine particles may even enter the bloodstream. This makes them the air pollutant of greatest concern to public health from wildfire smoke, especially for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those of lower socio-economic status.
The impact of wildfire smoke on air quality and health can be mitigated through various measures. During periods of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, it is recommended to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, minimise outdoor activities, and use air conditioning with the recirculate setting turned on. N-95 respirator masks can provide protection for those who must be outside. Additionally, keeping up to date with air quality information and following official evacuation orders when necessary are crucial steps to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
In Walla Walla, the air quality has been a concern, with readings in 2020 and 2021 placing it in the "Unhealthy" category. The primary pollutant of concern was PM2.5, which was recorded at 77.9 µg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended level of 10 µg/m³. While the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 reduced pollution in the city, the air quality in Walla Walla still remained poorer compared to other cities. This highlights the significant impact of wildfires on the region's air quality and the need for proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of its residents.
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Health risks of air pollution
Air pollution in Walla Walla, Washington, has been recorded at levels deemed "unhealthy" by the United States Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI measures levels of six prolific air pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM) of sizes PM2.5 and PM10.
PM2.5 levels in Walla Walla have been recorded at 77.9 µg/m³, over seven times the recommended level by the World Health Organization (WHO). No level of PM2.5 exposure is considered safe, and it is associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Air pollution is linked to a range of adverse health effects, impacting almost every organ in the body. The respiratory tract is the main pathway of exposure, and pollutants cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body. Fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage.
Short-term exposure to higher levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with reduced lung function, respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, cardiac problems, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions. Long-term exposure increases the risk of non-communicable diseases, including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.
Children are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution, with higher pollution levels linked to increased short-term respiratory infections and school absences. Children living near busy roads or in high-ozone communities are more likely to develop asthma and bronchitis symptoms in adulthood. Air pollution may also alter the size of a child's developing brain, increasing the risk for cognitive and emotional problems later in life.
Pregnant women are also at increased risk, with exposure to air pollution linked to dangerous changes in blood pressure, which can lead to pre-term birth, low birth weight, and maternal and fetal illness and death.
Additionally, air pollution disproportionately affects people of color and low-income communities, with higher exposure levels and increased vulnerability to health harm.
Mitigating Air Pollution Exposure
During periods of high air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors, engage in light activities, and keep windows closed. Air conditioners should be set to recirculate indoor air. If outdoors, wearing N-95 respirator masks can help reduce exposure.
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Industrial facilities and fossil fuels
While Walla Walla, Washington currently enjoys
The combustion of fossil fuels is a major contributor to the presence of PM2.5 particles in the air, which are tiny particles that can infiltrate deep into the lungs. Motor vehicles, along with wood stoves and fireplaces, release these particles into the atmosphere, posing risks to human health. PM2.5 is associated with various health issues, ranging from mild symptoms like a runny nose and coughing to more severe conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, heart disease, and even premature death.
To address high levels of air pollution, the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health recommends that residents stay indoors, engage in light activities, and keep windows closed. When outdoors, wearing N-95 respirator masks is advised to protect against harmful particles. While industrial facilities and fossil fuels are significant contributors to air pollution in Walla Walla, the community and local government work together to mitigate these issues and improve air quality for residents.
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Air quality improvement methods
Air pollution in Walla Walla, Washington, has been a cause for concern, with the city experiencing periods of "Unhealthy" air quality. The United States Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated using the levels of six of the most common air pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). While the air quality in Walla Walla has shown improvements at times, there are still periods when it dips into the "Moderate" or "Unhealthy" categories.
- Reducing Wildfires and Wind-blown Particles: Wildfires, both local and from other parts of the country, contribute significantly to air pollution in Walla Walla. Implementing measures to prevent and control wildfires can help reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter in the air.
- Mitigating Industrial and Residential Emissions: Point sources, such as pulp and paper mills, and factories burning fossil fuels, are significant contributors to air pollution. Enforcing stricter regulations and permits for these facilities can help reduce emissions. Additionally, promoting residential initiatives like the use of cleaner energy sources for heating and cooking can reduce air pollution from residential areas.
- Encouraging Green Transportation: With many vehicles on the road, transportation is a major source of air pollution. Encouraging the use of public transportation, carpooling, and active transportation options like biking can help reduce vehicle emissions.
- Adopting Cleaner Energy Sources: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources for electricity generation and industrial processes can significantly reduce air pollution. This includes investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
- Community Education and Action: Educating the community about the impact of air pollution on health and providing clear guidelines for actions during periods of poor air quality is essential. This includes recommending indoor activities, using air conditioners with recirculated air, and wearing N-95 respirator masks when outdoors.
- Air Quality Monitoring and Solutions: Deploying air quality monitoring systems, such as the Prana Air smart city project, can provide real-time data and help identify areas with high pollution levels. These solutions can also offer targeted interventions, such as outdoor air purifiers and data dashboards, to improve air quality.
- Promoting Green Spaces: Green spaces and urban forests can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality. Planting trees and creating parks can provide recreational spaces for residents while also contributing to cleaner air.
- Reducing Agricultural Pollution: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can reduce air pollution from farming activities. This includes minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers that contribute to air and water pollution.
By implementing these strategies and continuing to monitor air quality, Walla Walla can work towards improving the air quality for its residents and creating a healthier environment for all.
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Frequently asked questions
The air quality in Walla Walla has been described as "unhealthy", with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 163 in 2021. The AQI is calculated using the levels of six prolific air pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Wildfires are a significant contributor to poor air quality in Walla Walla, with smoke containing a mixture of harmful chemicals and particles. Additionally, point sources such as pulp and paper mills, and factories burning fossil fuels, also impact air quality.
Poor air quality can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially for sensitive groups such as people with heart and lung diseases, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes. During periods of high pollution, authorities recommend staying indoors, reducing outdoor activities, and wearing N-95 respirator masks when outside.
