Air quality ‘unhealthy’ to ‘hazardous’ this weekend in east Lane County

LANE COUNTY — The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has extended an air quality advisory for eastern Lane County through the weekend and likely into next week, due to smoke from the Cedar Creek fire.

In Oakridge, air quality is likely to remain in “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” on the Air Quality Index. Young children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung problems are especially vulnerable.

With school back in session, it is important to consider public health guidance for school outdoor activities when scheduling time outdoors for children.

The southern Willamette Valley, including Eugene and Springfield will see “unhealthy” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality.

LRAPA recommends residents close their doors and windows and run an air purifier to protect indoor air quality.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
• If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Check current air quality conditions and advisories on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Index webpage or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on a smartphone.