WHAT CAN YOU DO?

At Home

• Use less energy more efficiently
• Heat smart with wood stoves and fireplaces
• Cascade Bicycle Club
• EPA air quality frequently asked questions

At Work

• Help Employees Bus Commute
• Bike Commute

Related Information

• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
• General information on fine particulate matter
• Information on diesel emissions reductions
• The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's Annual Data Summary (2005)
• How can I help clean our air?
• Information on wood smoke and health effects
• How are ports and partners reducing emissions?

About this indicator: Fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) contributes to increased respiratory disease, decreased lung function, heart problems, and premature death. PM2.5 is a main air pollutant of concern in the Puget Sound region.

Drivers/influencing factors: The greatest contributing source to PM2.5 in the Puget Sound area is wood smoke, especially from fireplaces and woodstoves, in winter months when PM2.5 concentrations are highest. While wood smoke contributes the greatest mass of PM2.5, particulate matter from diesel engines is the most highly toxic. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency reports that PM2.5 emissions in newly designated non-attainment areas were approximately 27% caused by mobile sources.

Status: In 2006 the EPA strengthened the PM2.5 standard; these more stringent standards have been recently violated in the Puget Sound region.

Existing response: The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has several programs designed to reduce PM2.5 emissions, including programs specifically targeted to address wood smoke. The agency enforces burn bans in winter months, when weather conditions contribute to high PM2.5 levels. The agency and its partners perform outreach and education to encourage people to use cleaner burning practices and upgrade older wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Other programs include evaluating and expanding the areas where outdoor burning is prohibited and the agency's Diesel Solutions program, to reduce diesel engine emissions through voluntary, incentive-based projects.

Priority new actions: The Washington State Department of Ecology, in conjunction with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, must develop an attainment plan for PM2.5 nonattainment areas by October 2012.

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