Vashon air quality? (Seattle, Tacoma, Bainbridge Island: real estate, house, good schools)

[jemyr]

I am thinking of moving to Seattle and was wondering if there is a lot of particulate pollution in Vashon or Bainbridge Island?

Any better suggestions? Air quality is my first concern. 2nd is sitting in traffic to get to the airport (ferry is fine, driving the car more than 45 minutes is not). 3rd is good schools, and 4th is affordability (In Vashon and Bainbridge I can afford the house I want), and 5th is vibe. So far I like Vashon the best. I prefer vacation feel to working-for-a-living feel.

I love the sound of the San Juan Islands and hear it has the best air in the greater Seattle area, but I think accessibility is going to be a problem.

Particles below 2.5 are the big issue. Anyone know anything?

[Ira500]

I don't think that Vashon has any air quality concerns, but some of the residues from the smelter in Tacoma got into the soil in certain parts of Tacoma, to the extent that some gardeners removed soil from their yards and put in new topsoil.
That said, Vashon is wonderful, and far less expensive than Bainbridge.

[allforcats]

I agree with Ira500 that Vashon is a lovely place, and in over 20 years here I can't recall hearing anything at all about the air over Vashon. And Bainbridge real estate will be a lot more expensive than Vashon.

I searched for some serious air quality resources for you. I'm certain you could contact either site; it's possible that one or the other will have historical air quality data for Vashon Island. Hope these help.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
and
AIRNow - Washington Air Quality Conditions & Forecasts

[sean98125]

What Ira said - nothing to worry about with the air, but have your soil tested if you're thinking about planting any crops.

[jhoag7783]

I have heard that the Chernobyl nuclear accident radiation reached Vashon Island waters from the natural flow of the current. Is this a misguided urban myth or is there proof that Chernobyl radiation reached Vashon?John

[Busterboo]

boy, something new to worry about. Believe me, if there was any concern from Chernobyl it would have been the in the Beachcomber (local rag) and there's nothing. Vashonites are all over ANYTHING that might threaten their children in any way, so I wouldn't worry about it. Have been reading island news for close to 20 years now.

re air quality - Vashon is farther than Bainbridge from city center so air is cleaner here. I have asthma and am very sensitive; I live on north end and have no problems. (I can't even go into Seattle in August without major asthma attack)

There is a paper mill in Tacoma that sometimes emits a sulphur smell and very occasionally gets as far as the north part of the island, but it's not enough to bother me and believe me, I am the canary in the coal mine.

Re the San Juans, accessibility problem ya. They are way to far to commute from to Seattle unless you yourself want to become a major contributor to air pollution. They are beautiful vacation/retirement destinations.