Air Quality- Important at Every Age Tuesday April 28^th

As of Monday April 20, 2015, we have stopped issuing the regular Air Quality and Woodstove use Advisory.  We will continue to issue advisories for our schools, agricultural community and residents with respiratory problems when necessary. The Air Quality Advisory will continue through the summer on the following web page www.klamathair.org and by phone message at 541-882-BURN (2876)

The use of non-certified woodstoves and fireplaces as well as certified wood stoves and pellet stoves are allowed countywide until October 15, 2015. Outdoor burning is prohibited inside the Air Quality Zone.

Outdoor or open burning is allowed outside the Air Quality Zone provided the requirements of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Forestry and the local fire district are met.

Two of the most common pollutants in the U.S. are ozone, or smog, and particle pollution. You may know that people with heart or lung disease are at greater risk. People with cardiovascular disease (your heart and blood vessels) are at risk from particle pollution, which can contribute to heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest, and congestive heart failure. Ozone can also harm the heart.  And both particle pollution and ozone can increase the risk for premature death. For people with asthma and other lung disease, both ozone and particle pollution can make  symptoms like coughing and wheezing worse– and can lead to a trip to the doctor or hospital. Children and teenagers are more susceptible to air pollution because their lungs are still developing, they are usually more active outdoors, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Both ozone and particle pollution can prevent children’s lungs from working and developing like they should. Children are also more likely to have asthma, which can increase health risks. Older Adults. As we age, our risk for heart and lung diseases generally increases, and risk of harm from ozone and particle pollution does too. Factors that increase your risk for heart disease and stroke – like being overweight, having diabetes, or having high blood pressure or high cholesterol – also may increase your risk of harm from particle pollution. Even healthy adults who are active outdoors are at risk from ozone, which can make it more difficult to breathe deeply, cause coughing or a scratchy throat, and inflame and damage the lining of the lungs – damage that can continue even after symptoms are gone. So what’s the good news? Air pollution doesn’t have to make you sick – you can do something about it. Take action to reduce your pollution exposure by referring to the Air Quality Index (AQI).  When you need to, adjust your outdoor activities to reduce the amount of pollution you breathe in-- while still getting exercise. It’s not difficult – and your health is worth it.