Air Quality, in
Deschutes County Affected by Wildfire Smoke
Deschutes
County Health Services 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).
“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:
- 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
________________________________________________________________________________Deschutes County Government provides for the safety, security and health of Deschutes County's 160,000 citizens through public safety, human services, adult and juvenile corrections and many other valuable public services. For more information, please go to www.deschutes.org
Deschutes County
1300 NW Wall Street, Ste. 206 Bend, OR 97701-1960
Phone (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
Tom Kuhn, Community Health Manager (541) 322-7410