(Salem, OR – 8/7/24) – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Southwest Clean Air Agency issued an air quality advisory Wednesday, Aug. 7 for the Portland-Vancouver metro area, Marion and Umatilla counties due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog.
The agencies expect the air quality advisory for the Portland-Vancouver metro area and Marion County to last until 8 p.m. tomorrow, Aug. 8 and the air quality advisory for Umatilla County to last until 8 p.m. tonight, Aug. 7.
DEQ and SWCAA expect ozone pollution to reach levels this afternoon that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued an air quality advisory Wednesday, Aug. 7, for Deschutes, Klamath, and eastern Lane counties due to smoke from fires in Oregon.
The agencies expect the air quality advisory to last until at least Friday afternoon, Aug. 9. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.
DEQ expects intermittent smoke in the following areas until at least Friday afternoon due to fires in Oregon, California, and Washington:
- Baker County
- Eastern Benton County
- Clackamas County
- Eastern Douglas County
- Harney County
- Hood River County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Josephine County
- Central Lane County
- Linn County
- Malheur County
- Marion County
- Multnomah County
- Eastern Polk County
- Umatilla County
- Wallowa County
- Wasco County
- Eastern Washington County
- Eastern Yamhill County
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
The agencies urge residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during the heat wave. Recommendations include:
- Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or other alternative transportation.
- Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
- Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
- Postpone yard work that uses gas-powered equipment.
- Postpone painting and aerosol spray projects.
Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems. Consult your health care provider if these symptoms worsen.
Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.
Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoons and early evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.
Check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on a smartphone.
