Department of Ecology News Release -
July 12, 2001 01-118
OLYMPIA - Washington's drought makes air pollution from dust and smoke more likely than usual this summer, as dry conditions favor wildfires and blowing earth.
State air-quality experts are warning Washington residents to anticipate more air pollution, especially in Eastern Washington.
"The first ingredient for dust or smoke problems is dryness. The longer the drought, the worse the air quality is likely to become," said Mary Burg, who manages the Department of Ecology's air-quality program.
Dust and smoke contain minute particles that can float deep into the lungs and scratch and scar the delicate air sacs there. That makes it very important for people to prevent dust and smoke pollution where possible, said Burg.
"We can't stop the dust storms or wildfires created by Mother Nature, but human carelessness is avoidable, and we hope people will take extra care this year," she said.
Individuals with respiratory problems should reduce their exposure by staying indoors or limiting their outdoor activity when dust or smoke events occur.
Everyone can help reduce airborne dust and smoke by driving slower on unpaved roads, delaying dusty projects around the house and yard, and obeying fire restrictions. In addition, dust control is required for all construction projects. Control measures include clearing no more land than needed, working in phases to minimize the amount of exposed area, using a commercial dust suppressant to replace or reduce the use of water, covering bare ground with gravel, and curtailing activities on windy days.
Eastern Washington experiences occasional dust storms even in non-drought years, according to Bill Schillinger, a research agronomist with Washington State University's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, at the Dryland Research Station in Lind.
"Late in the dry season, in particular, there's a lack of crop residue on the surface of some farm fields, such as those left fallow for the summer and intensively tilled," he said. "This year, surface-soil dryness may not be unusual in many areas, but could worsen if the drought continued through next winter."
He noted that farmers increasingly are using tillage practices that help maintain surface residue and reduce blowing dust, but a prolonged drought will result in less crop residue or cover crops to protect the dry soil from being picked up by the wind.
Eastern Washington dust storms normally occur in sustained winds above 20 miles per hour, but as dry conditions persist, dust clouds may form at lower wind speeds.
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