By Shellie Campbell
North Central Public Health District
THE GORGE — With wildfire season fast approaching, residents are encouraged to take steps to be prepared in the event of wildfire smoke and poor air quality.
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
Poor air quality conditions are a health threat and all residents should limit their exposure to smoke to the extent possible. Those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are advised to stay indoors when the air quality is poor. Those who are medically-dependent on electricity should have a backup plan for power failure.
Air quality can change quickly. Visit the Oregon Smoke Blog and the DEQ Air Quality Index for the latest information. DEQ air quality monitoring data is updated hourly and is color-coded for easy to read information. A link is also provided below with information on the 5-3-1 Visibility Index, if there’s not a monitor near you.
To avoid breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke:
1. Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area by checking the links below (or using the visibility index).
2. If possible, avoid working, exercising or recreating outdoors when air quality is poor.
3. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated can keep your airways moist, which will help reduce symptoms of respiratory irritation such as scratchy throat, runny nose and coughing.
4. Try to avoid driving in smoky areas. If unavoidable, keep your windows rolled up and vents closed. If you need air conditioning, make sure you set your system on “re-circulate” to avoid bringing smoke into your car.
5. Avoid smoke by staying indoors, closing all windows and doors and use a filter in your heating/cooling system that removes very fine particulate matter. Portable air cleaners with HEPA filters can also help keep indoor air cleaner in smaller spaces.
6. People with concerns about health issues, including those suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems, should follow their breathing management plans; keep medications on hand, and contact healthcare providers if necessary.
7. If you must go outdoors, Oregon Health Authority advises that NIOSH-approved N95 masks may offer some protection. Paper “comfort” or “dust” masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles such as sawdust and will not protect your lungs from smoke. There are specialized masks that can help prevent smoke exposure called particulate respirators (such as N95s). Users should select a respirator that fits well to ensure a protective seal around the face. For the most protection, learn how to put one on, properly position it on your face, and how to remove it. It is important to know that these are not currently made in children’s sizes. People with pre-existing health conditions should speak with their health care provider prior to using a respirator. The wearer may find breathing more difficult, particularly for those with heart and lung conditions. Oregon OSHA offers how-to videos in Spanish and English about mask fitting.
If you are in need of a cleaner-air day shelter during wildfire smoke events, please visit Mid-Columbia Community Action Council’s (MCCAC) website for the most recent information at www.mccac.com, including time, location, etc. You can also call 211 or visit www.211info.org for sheltering information.
Also consider public spaces, during their regular hours, that may have cleaner air, such as the movie theater, stores, the library or Mid-Columbia Senior Center.
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Links for public agencies, including Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Smoke Blog, can be found with this story online at columbiagorgenews.com.
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Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.
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