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Seattle, Washington, a major U.S. city located in the evergreen state, is well known for its scenic views, iconic Space Needle attraction, abundance of coffee, and of course, rain. Given its surrounding green terrain and proclivity for precipitation, it’s fair to assume the Seattle environment is surrounded by fresh, clean air. However, according to U.S. air quality standards, this has not been the case in years past. 

IQAir reports, “On average, Seattle experiences 14.2 unhealthy pollution days a year, with 7 owing to high ozone and 7.2 owing to high PM2.5.” This number is more than double the targeted allowance according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standard of 3.2 unhealthy pollution days. 

So, what exactly is the significance of poor air quality? On average, an estimated 100,000 premature deaths occur each year due to poor air quality. Overall, an area’s air quality plays a significant role in the wellness of its residents and is linked to many respiratory and cardiovascular health concerns such as asthma and heart attacks. With Seattle experiencing so many unhealthy pollution days, this not only warrants action from local officials but also means residents should stay informed to ensure they remain safe. 

In this article, we’ll be taking a comprehensive look at air quality data and pollution sources, along with local efforts to combat the problem. 

Seattle Air Pollution: The Big Picture

If you’ve ever opened your weather app and scrolled down to “Air Quality” you may be familiar with a sliding scale ranging from green (good) all the way to maroon (hazardous). 

To communicate the conditions of outdoor air to the public, the EPA uses the Air Quality Index, or AQI, which shows six color-coded categories—good (green), moderate (yellow), unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), unhealthy (red), very unhealthy (purple), and hazardous (maroon). 

For an area like Seattle, which is reported to have 10% more air pollution than other American cities of the same size and, as previously stated, experiences 14.2 red or “unhealthy” days a year, this is a significant cause for health concern and points to a bigger, long term picture. 

According to Johns Hopkins, these are the associated risks of living in an area with poor air quality:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Asthma
• Eye and throat irritation
• Burning sensation in the chest
• Shortness of breath

Exposure to air pollution can also increase your risk of:

• Respiratory diseases (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or emphysema), asthma, chronic bronchitis)
• Breast cancer
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lung cancer
• Chronic inflammation
• Heart attack

Common Sources of Pollution in Seattle

Major contributors to air quality in Seattle include wildfires, construction, fuel-powered vehicles, the burning of fossil fuels, and industrial activities. 

In 2023, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency conducted a study, funded by the EPA, to measure levels of toxic particles in the air. Their findings revealed the following sources of potential cancer risk from air pollution in the Puget region:

• Diesel Exhaust: 85%
• Hexavalent chromium: 5%
• Wood smoke: 4%
• Other: 3%
• Formaldehyde: 2%
• Benzene: 1%

The study revealed diesel exhaust, tiny particles released from trucks, ships, trains, and other forms of fuel-powered transportation, were the main contributors to air pollution in the region.

Local Initiatives for Cleaner Air

To combat the harmful levels of cancer-causing toxins in the air, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has created a strategic plan, outlining objectives and goals to reach by the year 2030. 

In addition to defined regulations, which will decrease air toxics pollution, the agency will be using grant funding to promote a shift from diesel-fueled vehicles to cleaner, and electric vehicles. By 2030, the agency would like to achieve the following: a 20% drop in air pollution, a 50% reduction in cancer risk due to air pollution, and a 50% drop in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (compared to 1990). 

What can Residents do to Support the Cause?

While the agency is working to come up with solutions, there are things Seattle residents can do to contribute to lowering the amount of diesel exhaust-related pollution in the air such as carpooling or biking to work if possible, keeping vehicles in good condition, and, if considering a new car, switching to a zero-emissions vehicle. 

What Homeowners in Seattle Need to Know About Air Quality

The state of outdoor air quality has a major influence on the state of indoor air quality. Given the fact that the average person spends about 90% of their time inside (whether at home, at work, or in the car) and that the majority of our exposure to air pollution comes from indoors, it’s important to understand how these pollutants enter the home and how to reduce our exposure to them. 

Learn more about improving air quality in your home by exploring our services.

Windows, Doors, and Foundation Cracks

When we open our windows and doors, or if there are unsealed hidden cracks in our walls, outside air can infiltrate inside air. This outside air, although seemingly “fresh,” can contain PM10, particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (dust, pollen, mold), PM2.5, particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, wildfires), ultrafine particles, smaller than 0.1 microns in diameter, and ozone (smog). Exposure to these pollutants can result in negative health effects, including allergies and severe respiratory issues. 

Indoor Sources of PM2.5

Although much of the particulate matter that enters the home derives from the outside, there are a few ways it stems from inside the home as well. These indoor sources include cleaning products, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, candles, and cooking oil. 

Air Pollution’s Impact on Homes

While polluted indoor air certainly presents numerous health issues, it can also cause damage to your air duct system and the structural integrity of your home or place of business.  

Over time, excess dust accumulation in your property’s HVAC system can clog up the ductwork and cause it to work overtime to circulate air—this means a shorter lifespan for your HVAC system, potential malfunction, and higher energy bills. In areas with high PM10 levels, dust accumulation will be greater, which means the likelihood of a backed-up air duct is also greater. 

Higher levels of outdoor air pollution can also increase the potential for mold growth. Similar to dust and pollen, mold spores can be brought in from the outside and dispersed throughout a property. In the proper conditions, these spores can quickly colonize and wreak havoc within porous surfaces such as drywall and carpeting. When it comes to mold, the entire infestation has to be removed to ensure the problem does not come back. As a rule of thumb, the EPA recommends professional remediation for mold growth exceeding 10 square feet. 

For mold remediation services for your home or commercial property, contact COIT today. 

Practical Solutions for Homeowners

Here are a few ways Seattle residents can be proactive in their efforts to protect themselves and prevent long-term home damage as a result of poor air quality:

• Schedule routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning to ensure clean air circulation
• Get carpets, upholstery, and porous stone surfaces professionally cleaned to reduce levels of allergens
• Consider utilizing indoor air quality solutions like HEPA filters and indoor air purifiers
• Stay up to date on the local AQI and where masks outdoors if necessary

How COIT Can Help

Poor air quality contributes to a litany of health and home concerns. The good news is, COIT is available to help ensure you and your property remain safe. For 75 years, we’ve been committed to creating healthier and safer homes and commercial properties by providing the highest quality cleaning services and exceptional customer care—guaranteeing results others can’t.

We offer a variety of professional cleaning services for air ducts, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stone countertops. For any mold remediation needs, our restoration experts are well-equipped to identify, remove, clean up, and restore your home to its previous condition. 

The Future of Air Quality in Seattle

With ongoing efforts to reduce pollutants, the future of Seattle’s air quality is looking good (or green, to speak in AQI terms). There is a significant push toward the use of electric vehicles, including plans for an all-electric fleet of 1,400 buses and plants to convert ferries to electric vessels by 2040. 

These efforts, along with individual efforts, will work toward a common goal of bettering Seattle’s air quality and, in turn, bettering the lives of its residents. 

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!