Clearing haze around state's air quality index

The state departments of Health and Ecology recommend using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate air quality and associated health risks. Due to more frequent and intense smoke from wildfires, the use of two indexes to communicate air quality hazard risk increased the challenges we face.

This recommendation, a shift away from using the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) index, is a result of interagency discussions and stakeholder engagement. Using AQI will make risk communication more effective and public health guidance supporting health more consistent.

DOH and Ecology plan to implement this change no later than April 30, 2022. We will accept feedback on the change and the best approach to implement it through Tuesday, Nov. 30. To provide feedback or get additional information, send an email to airquality@doh.wa.gov. For more information, read the flyer on our Plan to Improve Air Quality Hazard Guidance.