OLYMPIA – Stagnant air that’s enveloping the state is causing pollution to build up, which poses risks to people’s health.

Bans on outdoor burning and use of home-heating devices (such as wood stoves and fireplaces) are in effect in several Washington counties. But some people continue to burn.

The most dangerous material in wood smoke may be the fine particles that make up the smoke and soot. Many of these particles are toxic. Most are so small that, when you breathe them, they get past your body’s defenses and go deep into your lungs. There, they can cause serious problems such as scarring of the lung tissue. Studies show that death rates in several U.S. cities increased when there were higher levels of fine particles in the air.

“People who burn during stagnant conditions should realize that they are putting their families, their neighbors and themselves at risk,” said Stuart Clark, Ecology’s Air Quality Program manager.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems and adults over age 65.

For current air quality conditions, check the Washington Air Quality Advisory: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/air_monitoring_data/WAQA_Intro_Page.html.

Some of the reasons wood smoke is such a serious problem are:

• Almost all the wood smoke in Washington is released during winter months. This means it is very concentrated. It takes just three months for wood smoke to become Washington’s third-leading source of air pollution.

• In the winter, weather conditions often cause stagnant air. As a result, wood smoke is trapped close to the ground in neighborhoods. At these times, air pollution in many neighborhoods is unhealthy.

• Studies show that people who heat their homes with wood have more respiratory problems than those who don’t. Smoke particles also invade neighboring homes. Research shows that children in wood-burning neighborhoods are more likely to have lung and breathing problems.

If you or others are having trouble breathing, here are some helpful health tips:

• Do not burn wood or other materials.

• Stay inside with windows and doors shut.

• Use the recirculate mode on the furnace/heater in your home and car.

• Avoid cooking and vacuuming that will increase pollutants indoors.

• Avoid physical exertion.

• Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan.

• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important for everyone, especially for people who have not been diagnosed with lung or heart disease. Often smoke will produce symptoms of disease that were previously undetected.

• Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness.

• A fitted mask (OSHA N95) can be used to reduce smoke exposure unless it interferes with breathing. A dust mask is generally ineffective with smoke.