The Vancouver-Portland area is under an air quality advisory due to expected elevated pollution levels, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Southwest Clean Air Agency.
The agencies say the air quality advisory — which also includes much of the Willamette Valley in Oregon — will last until Thursday night.
Ozone levels are expected to be elevated today — creating smog — and will reach peak levels Thursday afternoon.
Air could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to a joint statement from DEQ and SWCAA, including children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend these groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.
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, according to the statement.
The agencies urge residents to limit activities that cause pollution during the heat wave. Recommendations:
- Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or alternative transportation.
- Avoid unnecessary idling.
- Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
- Postpone mowing the lawn or using leaf blowers. painting and aerosol spray projects.
Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems. Consult a health care provider if these symptoms worsen.
A recreational burn ban is already in place in Vancouver and a fire-safety burn ban is in effect for Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties.
