Air Quality Alert

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory for the Medford/Ashland metro area...in effect until 10 PM PDT Thursday.

Ozone pollution may reach levels unhealthy to for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.

DEQ urges residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during this time. Recommendations include:

* Limit driving by using public transportation, carpooling, or other alternative transportation.

* Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

* Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.

* Postpone yard work that uses gasoline-powered equipment.

* Postpone painting and aerosol spray products.

Smog irritates the eyes nose and lungs and contributes to breathing problems. Consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms worsen.

Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas powered engines, paints, and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.

Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during the afternoons and evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.

For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org