Klamath County Public Health

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2018
Contact: Ramona Quinn, rquinn@co.klamath.or.us  Valeree Lane, vlane@klamathcounty.org, 541.882.8846

 

Know the numbers

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Community members may have noticed that along with the temperature forecast for each day, many news outlets are discussing the air quality index number. This number is most helpful when residents know its meaning. 

Klamath County Public Health wants to help the community “know the numbers”. 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.

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