Health officials concerned about poor air quality, effects on sensitive populations as blazes rage across Oregon
What you should know:
- Wildfire season is creating hazardous air quality conditions across Oregon.
- Wildfire smoke contains particles that can irritate eyes, lungs, and other organs and have a severe impact on people with chronic conditions.
- People can stay safe by keeping windows and doors closed, using HEPA filters if available, and avoiding outdoor activity.
With nearly 80 wildfires burning across Oregon, air quality is poor in many areas of the state. But there are steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from wildfire smoke exposure.
“Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, and some people—especially those with chronic conditions like lung disease or heart disease—can have a pretty severe reaction to even small amounts of smoke,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of the Environmental Public Health Section at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division.
Wildfire smoke exposure risks
Wildfire smoke, like other sources of air pollution, can irritate eyes and lungs and cause everyone to experience symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes, which often clear up once the smoke passes.
Smoke is made up of very small particles that can travel into the bloodstream to people’s lungs, heart, and other organs.
Scientists are concerned about particulate matter that is 2.5 microns in size and smaller, known as “PM 2.5.” Thirty PM 2.5 strung together are the width of a human hair.
“That’s how small we’re talking here. It is very well-documented that PM 2.5 exposure can decrease lung function, aggravate asthma, cause irregular heartbeat and heart attacks, and cause premature death in people with heart or lung disease,” Goldfarb said.
People most impacted
In addition to those with chronic conditions, groups sensitive to wildfire smoke include older adults, infants and children, people who are pregnant and those who regularly smoke. Outdoor workers and athletes are also at higher risk.
Low-income families who struggle with access to health care and protective housing may also experience worse effects of wildfire smoke, Goldfarb said.
Children are a particularly sensitive population, because they inhale more smoke per pound of body weight than adults, and their lungs and other organs are still developing.
How to stay safe
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. OHA reminds people to check conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, view Oregon DEQ Air Quality Index or download the free OregonAIR app on the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search for alerts in their communities.
If reports show high smoke levels, take the following steps:
- Stay indoors whenever possible.
- Create cleaner air spaces.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers, if available, or create a DIY Box fan filter.
- When driving, set your car’s ventilation to “recirculate.”
- If you live with chronic lung or heart conditions, follow your management and treatment plan. Call your health care provider if your condition worsens due to smoke exposure. Relocate to an area with cleaner air if you can.
- Keep track of medication, refill prescriptions if needed, and keep an eye on personal health.
Many communities open cleaner air spaces during severe smoke events to help people unable to create a cleaner air space at home. In partnership with local officials and organizations, 211Info maintains a list of public cleaner air spaces. For more information:
- Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-698-6155 – both lines are available 24 hours a day.
- Text the area zip code to 898211 (TXT211) – available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Visit https://www.211info.org/
Remember that cloth, dust, and surgical masks do not protect against harmful particles in smoke. NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators may offer protection, but they must be properly fitted and worn. They won’t work for everyone, especially children.
For more information on reducing exposure to wildfire smoke, including fact sheets and FAQs in multiple languages, visit OHA’s Wildfires and Smoke page.
