Air Inversion over Vancouver Leads to Poor Air Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 15, 2007

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As strong high pressure remains over the region, the combination of calm winds and warming aloft is inhibiting the dispersion of pollutants and degrading air quality in Vancouver. The cold air mass over western Washington is expected to remain through midday Tuesday.

"Residents may have noticed a layer of brown air over the Vancouver region yesterday," remarked Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. "During an inversion such as we are experiencing, air pollution from fine particulate matter gets trapped and builds up as people continue to use their wood stoves and drive their cars."

Fine particles (i.e. PM_2.5) released by smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces and automobiles are of concern because they can reach deep into the lungs. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.

"Our monitors indicate that levels of fine particulate matter in Vancouver began rising Sunday morning," Elliott said, "and fine particulate levels now exceed the federal health-based standard." Measured levels have been about 50 µg/m³, compared to the federal air quality health standard of 35 µg/m³, 24-hour standard. The elevated level of particulate matter pollution in Vancouver is significantly higher than across the river in Portland, possibly due to calmer winds in Vancouver. The inversion may persist until favorable dispersion conditions return to the area on Tuesday.

Founded in 1968, the mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public's health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

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For more information contact:

Robert Elliott Executive Director Southwest Clean Air Agency 360-574-3058, ext. 12

Kathy Finkle Public Information Specialist Southwest Clean Air Agency 360-574-3058, ext. 39