This is the place where moving air being breathed in and out creates voice sounds. You can't see it, you can't smell it, and you can't taste it. In fact, most of the CO in Spokane's air comes from the cars we drive. When inhaled, CO reduces the ability of our blood to absorb oxygen in cells and tissue. This can cause headaches and tiredness, blur vision, and slow reflexes.
Carbon monoxide is particularly harmful to people with heart or lung diseases and to pregnant women.
Particulate matter consists of solid or liquid particles so tiny that 1,000 of them, lined up, would equal the width of one human hair. Dust, soot, and smoke are the most common forms of PM in Spokane. Most PM comes from fireplaces, woodstoves, and driving on unpaved or dirty paved roads. The tiny particles find their way deep into the lungs where they affect breathing, cause coughing and throat irritations, and cause lung damage. These small particles are sometimes coated with other chemicals which may be harmful to health.