WENATCHEE – Unusually poor air quality for this time of year may have caused an increase in respiratory problems, especially for children. In September, Central Washington Hospital saw the number of emergency room visits for kids with asthma almost quadruple, from six visits in August to 23, according to Confluence Health data. The number of visits in October is anticipated to be even higher, according to Confluence. The National Weather Service predicts some of the smoke that has plagued the greater Wenatchee area for over a month will soon go away. However, the harmful effects of wildfire smoke on people’s health could linger.
MEANWHILE…
UPDATE – A Shelter-in-Place Advisory was issued due to Air Quality. The fire at the Wilbur Ellis site southeast of Moses Lake continues to smolder, and air sampling Monday afternoon, coupled with forecasted overnight weather led to the decision to extend the shelter-in-place advisory one mile to the east-northeast of the fire scene. The Department of Ecology will continue air monitoring
-0-