Oregon’s smoky skies linger; health experts urge caution
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and state and local health officials urged residents throughout much of the state to take health precautions from smoke caused by dozens of wildfires burning in and around the state.
Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive populations in southwest Oregon, including Medford, Ashland and Shady Cove; in Central Oregon, including Redmond and Sisters; in Eastern Oregon, including Ontario; in northeastern Oregon, including Baker City, La Grande and Pendleton.
Smoke is also expected to accumulate to unhealthy levels in the Columbia Gorge over the next couple of days.
While DEQ’s Air Quality Index is a good resource, it’s important to remember that statewide monitoring network does not capture air quality conditions in all communities.
Many smaller communities are currently experiencing unhealthy air quality, though they may not be located in close proximity to a monitor. It’s important for residents to gauge air quality conditions where they live and take appropriate actions to protect themselves.
Should smoke occur, residents can take the following precautions to avoid breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke:
— Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with highest concentrations.
— You can avoid smoke by staying indoors, closing all windows and doors and using an air filter that removes very fine particulate matter.
— Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.
–If you have heart disease, asthma or other lung disease, or are over 65 years of age, you have a higher risk of illness from wildfire smoke. Small children and pregnant women are also at increased risk. People in any of these groups might consider leaving the area until air quality improves.
–People suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.
Remember, local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind direction. People can conduct a visual assessment of smoke levels to quickly get a sense of air quality levels and take precautions. If people have additional concerns, they should contact the nearest regional or local public health agency for the latest in health conditions from smoke.
Visit the Oregon Smoke Blog for more information regarding active fires and air quality, along with tools to help people assess smoke levels in their area.
Deschutes County Health Services said Tuesday it also is closely monitoring air quality as conditions may worsen due to smoke from numerous wildfires across Oregon. Smoke levels can rise and fall depending on weather factors such as wind direction.
“We encourage people to monitor air quality conditions when planning activities,” said Tom Kuhn, Community Health Manager at Deschutes County Health Services. “Older adults, young children, and people with asthma, respiratory, or heart conditions are very susceptible to the impacts of wildfire smoke.” To monitor air quality, check the Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Index to see real-time air monitoring data from monitors placed around Oregon (http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/index.aspx).
The following precautions should be taken to avoid health problems during hot, smoky conditions:
Avoid outdoor activities, especially vigorous activities, when air quality is unhealthy and hazardous. Those with heart or lung problems, as well as young children, are especially vulnerable.
Protect yourself by staying indoors, closing all windows and doors. Use recirculating air conditioning systems in your home or car if available.
Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution such as burning cigarettes and candles; using gas, propane, and wood burning stoves and furnaces; cooking; and vacuuming.
Individuals with heart disease or lung diseases such as asthma should follow their health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms.
Other wildfire smoke resources :
The Oregon Health Authority’s wildfire web page, http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/Prepare/Pages/PrepareForWildfire.aspx
For more information on using the visibility index during wildfires, visit www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm
For information on smoke and wildfires in Oregon, visit
