Portland Area Under Air Pollution Advisory

PORTLAND, OR—An air pollution advisory was issued Tuesday for the Portland-Vancouver and Medford areas due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Washington Southwest Clean Air Agency reported.

DEQ and health officials recommend that children, pregnant women, asthma sufferers, those with lung or heart conditions and adults age 65 and older limit outdoor activity. Pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoon and early evening.

DEQ expects the advisory to continue through Thursday, July 26. Continued high temperatures and low winds may result in an extended advisory.

An air quality advisory also remains in effect in Southern Oregon’s Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties due to wildfire smoke.

Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma. Officials urge you to consult your health care provider if these symptoms worsen.

Smog forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols.

Officials urge residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution. Recommendations include:

• Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or other alternative transportation
• Avoid unnecessary engine idling
• Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours
• Don't use gas-powered mowers or yard equipment
• Don't paint or use aerosol sprays

View current air quality conditions online here or by downloading the “OregonAir” app on your smartphone.

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Image via Oregon Department of Environmental Quality