...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM PDT THURSDAY...
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has continued an Air Quality
Advisory, which is in effect until 6 AM PDT Thursday.
Residents who are sensitive to smoke are advised to use caution when
participating in outdoor activities, or to wait out the smoke for a
couple days. Local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, but
significant improvement is not likely to occur until after onshore
flow resumes Wednesday.
Residents can view current air quality conditions at
http://www.lrapa/org/216/Todays-Current-Air-Quality
The color-coded Air Quality Index ranks air quality as follows:
Green is good. Yellow is moderate, which is unhealthy for extremely
sensitive groups. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as
children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory
conditions. Red is unhealthy for everyone. Purple is very unhealthy
for all groups. Maroon is hazardous.
The Oregon Smoke Blog also has an air quality map that includes
temporary monitors close to specific fires, daily smoke forecasts for
specific areas, and other resources. Visit the Oregon Smoke Blog for
more information: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Lane County Public Health advises special considerations during
period of poor air quality:
- Individuals who have preexisting lung conditions or who are very
young or very old are advised to stay indoors if possible and
close windows and doors.
- People exposed to smoky conditions and who suffer from asthma or
other respiratory problems should follow their breathing treatment
plans or contact their health care providers.
- During periods of poor air quality, everyone is encouraged to
avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters) or
electrostatic precipitator filters (ESP filters) if you can. These
can help clean indoor air.
Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate
heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems.
Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky.
Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition.
More information about air quality can be found at:
www.lrapa.org