Thousands in Oregon Urged to Move Activities Indoors Over Air Quality
Thousands of residents in central Oregon are advised to move activities indoors due to 'very unhealthy' air quality caused by smoke from prescribed burns near Sisters and Bend. Elevated levels of PM2.5 pollution, which can harm lungs and cardiovascular health, are affecting communities including Sisters, Bend, and Brent. Health officials warn even healthy individuals may experience respiratory symptoms and recommend limiting outdoor exposure. Air quality is expected to improve as burns conclude and weather conditions change, though smoke may persist overnight due to temperature inversions.
- ▪Air quality in parts of central Oregon reached the 'very unhealthy' level on the AQI due to smoke from prescribed burns.
- ▪The primary pollutant is PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
- ▪Residents are advised to keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- ▪Prescribed burns on the Deschutes National Forest covered up to 366 acres near Sisters and 200 acres southeast of Bend.
- ▪Smoke impacts are expected to decrease as burns end and atmospheric conditions allow better dispersion.
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By Amanda GreenwoodAssociate News EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Thousands of residents across parts of Oregon are being advised to curb outdoor activity after air quality fell into the “very unhealthy” range in parts of central Oregon early Tuesday.The Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow map, which monitors air quality across America in near-real time, showed an area of highly polluted air lingering over the region as of 9:20 a.m. ET.
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