How Does the State Measure Air Quality?

Air quality over the past couple of weeks has ranged from unhealthy to hazardous for much of the area.

State Department of Ecology Communications Manager Andrew Wineke says there are two different measuring indexes that measure dangerous PM2.5 particles which can be dangerous.

"Here in Washington we use levels that are a little more protective of human health than you might see on the national map. If they don't line up, that's what's going on. We try to be a little more protective of human health. We might kick it up a category, so instead of unhealthy it might be very unhealthy."

Regardless of which system you check, it is important to take precautions when air quality is unhealthy or worse such as wearing N95 masks, or staying indoors.

Wineke says their numbers are checked at several locations with a variety of instruments by a team of scientists.

"It's a very sophisticated monitoring system that collects a lot of data, not just when the smoke is in the air, but 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

There are smaller devices designed for use by anyone that can be nearly as accurate though it doesn't collect the same amount of data.