FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2018
Contact: Ramona Quinn, rquinn@co.klamath.or.us  Valeree Lane, vlane@klamathcounty.org, 541.882.8846

Air quality forecast not favorable to outdoor weekend activities

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Klamath County Public Health officials are encouraging those attending this weekend’s outdoor activities to be mindful of the air quality.

At 8 a.m. Tuesday, Chiloquin’s air quality index was ranked very unhealthy at 217, while Klamath Falls was unhealthy at 180. Forecasts show smoke being drawn in from Lake County’s Watson Creek Fire. Conditions are not expected to improve as the weekend approaches.

Public Health officials are aware of several planned outdoor events throughout the region this weekend and are asking residents to be proactive about possible smoke exposure. High temperatures can make the smoky conditions more uncomfortable. Knowing the range of air quality numbers can help people make good choices about outdoor activities.

The six levels of the air quality index are:

·         Good is 0 to 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

·         Moderate is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people.

·         Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups is 101 to 150. Although the general public is not likely to be affected at this range, people with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk.

·         Unhealthy is 151 to 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.

·         Very Unhealthy is 201 to 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.

·         Hazardous is greater than 300. This would trigger a health warning of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Residents are encouraged to visit https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map to learn the current air quality index.

-30-