SPOKANE, Wash. -- The smoky skies in Spokane do not appear to be clearing up any time soon.
As of Friday, the air quality in Spokane was rated as "unhealthy for some groups," and is forecasted to become even worse by the weekend.
Some people around town have opted to wear bandanas around their nose and mouths ro protect their lungs from smoke damage. But a bandana might not be enough to filter out the bad air.
In fact, the state department of health advises against the use of bandanas to block out smoke. Officials said bandanas or towels over your mouth and nose may relieve dryness, but they won't protect your lungs.
When getting a mask to wear or a respirator, you want to look to see that it has this number on it. That usually is the letter "N" followed by a number. That number indicates the National Institute's rating of the product based on occupational health and safety.
An N95 mask or N100 filter out most particles.
Experts say make sure the mask has two straps, as opposed to just one. The extra strap helps provide a better fit.