Washington L&I Releases Wildfire Smoke Exposure Symptoms Guidance

Tumwater, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries issued Be #SmokeReady guidance that identifies nearly a dozen symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure for which workers should seek immediate medical attention. The guidance is available in English and Spanish.

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention

The symptoms listed include wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and shortness of breath. Additional symptoms that require immediate attention are chest pain and other symptoms consistent with a heart attack, nausea or vomiting, and stroke symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Any other concerning symptoms also warrant immediate medical help.

Purpose of the Guidance

Washington L&I released the guidance to protect workers across various industries from harms associated with wildfire smoke exposure. The department states that employers must meet specific requirements when smoke conditions are present.

Available Resources and Support

Washington L&I’s Wildfire Smoke webpage supplies information on protecting workers, monitoring smoke conditions and meeting employer requirements. The department and the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health provide no-cost consultations to employers through an online request system. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the guidance was issued recently from Tumwater.

Washington L&I continues to update resources for employers on its Wildfire Smoke webpage. The Be #SmokeReady guidance remains accessible in both English and Spanish.