SEATTLE – Pollution from Asian power plants and smoke from burning Siberian forests may be contributing to the poor air quality in Washington state, scientists say.
Most pollution here is produced locally, but some problems including mercury in lake fish and the haze that rings Mount Rainier could have Asian connections.
Dan Jaffe, an atmospheric chemist at the University of Washington’s Bothell campus, is heading an effort to search for international pollution and gauge how serious the problem is.
“Environmental issues are really now a global concern, there’s no question about that,” Jaffe said.
Jaffe and his team use computer models to search for pollution and measure chemicals associated with industrial activity such as mercury and carbon monoxide.
On Monday, a modified C-130 cargo plane from the National Center for Atmospheric Research landed at Paine Field in Everett. And in Hawaii, a DC-8 jet from NASA was added to help their efforts.
Both planes will spend the next month buzzing over the Pacific Ocean taking samples from plumes of pollution from Asia as part of a project spearheaded by NASA.
Associated Press
Tacoma: R.J. Reynolds sues to overturn ban
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. sued the state Friday, seeking to overturn a new law that bans the distribution of free tobacco samples.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, argued that the law violates the First Amendment and is pre-empted by a federal law that bars states from regulating cigarette advertising and promotion.
The measure bans all distribution of free tobacco samples. R.J. Reynolds argued that current law already prevented sampling where minors might be present.
The new law takes effect June 7. R.J. Reynolds officials requested a hearing on the lawsuit before then.
Associated Press
Vancouver, Wash.: Teen stabbed to death
A teenager was stabbed to death at a McDonald’s restaurant, and a man was arrested after being pursued on foot, police said.
A girl who appeared to be younger than 18 and apparently worked at the fast-food outlet was stabbed in the chest shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday and was pronounced dead at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore., Cpl. Kathleen McNicholas said.
Shortly after the first report of the stabbing, emergency dispatchers received a report that a man was being pursued on foot, and police dogs were dispatched. Officers said a man was soon arrested, and a knife was found nearby.
Police did not immediately say what led to the stabbing. McNicholas said there was no indication that the man who was in custody and the slain girl knew each other.
Associated Press
Glacier: Skier dies in Mount Baker avalanche
Three people were caught in an avalanche west of the Mount Baker Ski Area on Tuesday, and one died, Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies said.
Tobias Lee, 25, of Truckee, Calif., was skiing with his brother and a friend on Mount Herman when the avalanche swept him over two rock faces and through trees, the sheriff’s office said.
Lee was unconscious when pulled from the snow and didn’t respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, authorities said.
A team from Bellingham Mountain Rescue was unable to reach the area because the continuing avalanche danger, and a private helicopter was summoned to remove the body.
Associated Press
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
