Southwest Clean Air Agency
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency
Relayed by National Weather Service Portland OR
1157 AM PDT Tue Jul 26 2022
Lower Columbia-Greater Portland Metro Area-Central Willamette Valley-South Willamette Valley-I-5 Corridor in Cowlitz County-Greater Vancouver Area-
Including the cities of St. Helens, Clatskanie, Hillsboro, Portland, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gresham, Troutdale, Salem, McMinnville, Woodburn, Stayton, Dallas, Eugene, Springfield, Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt, and Amboy
The Southwest Clean Air Agency, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency have issued an Air Quality Advisory, which is in effect until 9 PM PDT Saturday.
An Air Quality Advisory for ozone has been issued. High levels of ozone in the lower atmosphere in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups at times through Saturday evening. This includes children, people over 65, pregnant women, and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.
DEQ urges residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during the heat wave. Recommendations include:
1. Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling and other alternative transportation.
2. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
3. Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
4. Postpone mowing the lawn or using leaf blowers.
5. 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 the afternoon
and early evening hours. Air quality monitors may show good air
quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later
in the day.
More information about air quality can be found at:
www.swcleanair.org
www.oregon.gov/DEQ
www.lrapa.org
