Air conditions in Yakima County considered poor, here's who is most at risk

YAKIMA CO., Wash. - The Yakima Health District said nearby wildfires have significantly decreased the air quality around the county.

They want people to take steps to keep themselves safe from the smoke and the particles in the smoke.

According to the health district, breathing in wildfire smoke while outside, even for a short period of time, can cause several health issues.

Those issues include sore throat, headaches, burning eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Children, adults over age 65, smokers and pregnant women are most at risk of suffering extreme side effects from wildfire smoke. People who are also in the sensitive group include those who have heart and lung diseases, respiratory illnesses and recent stroke victims.

There are ways to protect you and your loved ones when the air quality is poor.

• Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed
• Don't burn candles or incense
• Don't smoke indoors
• Don't vacuum
• Don't exercise outside, exercise inside.
• If you have an N95 or N100 mask, wear it if you have to be outside for a long period of time.

Check air quality conditions before traveling or going to outdoor events and if you are driving through a poor air quality area, turn your air conditioner on "recirculating" rather than "intake."

To see the current air quality where you are, click here .

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