Public Health

Health

Seattle auditor says public park bathrooms stink

The city of Seattle needs more clean public bathrooms, according to a report from the City Auditor out this month. The report cites a lack of available facilities and recommends some improvements.

Health

Flu levels are at a 15-year high in the U.S., but many Washington children haven't gotten their flu shot

Outbreaks and high levels of illnesses (like the flu) have become more common as vaccination rates have fallen, especially among children.

Health

Weed sick: High-potency cannabis leads to ER visits, illnesses for some users

As cannabis products like vapes, shatter, and dabs have reached near 100% potency, lawmakers, researchers, and doctors have sounded the alarm about a potential public health crisis.

Health

King County gives away lockboxes to keep guns from being stolen, accidentally fired

King County public health officials hope homes in the area will be a little safer after the county gave away thousands of firearm lockboxes.

The grim reason fentanyl deaths are falling in King County

Fatal fentanyl overdoses may have reached a peak in Washington state. But that's not all good news.

Environment

Five more Seattle libraries to become extreme-heat refuges

Cold cash from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping Seattle cool its libraries.

Health

A Seattle hot dog with everything — but not all the permits

Mobile food are popping up at more Seattle parks and beaches this summer - but many aren’t supposed to be open.

Environment

Bremerton treats Kitsap Lake to tackle toxic algae

Ever heard of lanthanum? The city of Bremerton plans to use a powdered form of lanthanum to lower levels of phosphorus in the city’s only lake, Kitsap Lake.

Health

E-bike fires are sparking trouble in Seattle. Here's how to use them safely

Seattle’s streets have become home to hundreds of electronic bikes and scooters in recent years, with a growing number of commuters and hobbyists relying on them to get around. As usage of these lithium-ion battery powered devices grows, so has the number of fires in connection with them. That’s prompted the Seattle Fire Department to urge caution when using and storing the devices.