Date/Time
Date(s) - May 21, 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Categories
During the last few years wildfire smoke exposure has increased in both frequency and intensity, presenting health risks to school employees. In December 2023, the WA State Labor and Industries (L&I) adopted permanent workplace safety and health rules to address exposures to PM2.5, the tiny particles in wildfire smoke. As these tiny particles get inhaled, they can reach the deepest parts of the lungs, and may increases the risk of reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, heart failure, and even early death. Our presenter, Chris Pyke, is an Industrial Hygiene Technical Specialist at L&I and their technical expert on wildfire smoke. He will provide information on how the regulations apply to schools and ways for districts to be prepared and implement a plan to protect employees, particularly those who require working outdoors.
Speaker: Chris Pyke is an industrial hygiene technical specialist with L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety & Health. Chris specializes in protecting workers from exposure to airborne particulates such as asbestos, crystalline silica, and wildfire smoke. He earned his Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences from the University of Washington.