Monday Morning Update

Air quality conditions are Moderate this morning.

While it is still a good day to be outside, people who are usually sensitive to air pollution could have symptoms. Watch for coughing or shortness of breath, these are signs to take it easier.

Have kids? Check the CDC's air quality and outdoor activity guidance.

Station 10118
Klamath Falls - Peterson School

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Air Quality Rating:	Moderate
Air Quality Index:	55
Critical Pollutant:	PM 2.5
Concentration:	14 µg/m3
Last Report:	Aug 12 2013 8:00AM PDT
Information:	Smoke in area. Wildfire Air Quality Rating (WAQR) used for PM 2.5.

8:00AM Update - Good air quality

Now is a good time to mow the lawn, walk the dog, or enjoy other outdoor activities. Current air quality conditions are good, but air quality conditions can change quickly and frequently.

Station 10118
Klamath Falls - Peterson School

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Air Quality Rating:	Good
Air Quality Index:	41
Critical Pollutant:	PM 2.5
Concentration:	9.8 µg/m3
Last Report:	Aug 9 2013 8:00AM PDT
Information:	Smoke in area. Wildfire Air Quality Rating (WAQR) used for PM 2.5.

Air Quality Conditions

Klamath County experienced brief relief from smokey conditions today. Current air quality conditions remain good.

It is important to remember that air quality conditions can change quickly and frequently. Stay informed of current smoke concentrations by visiting our blog or DEQ's website, and remember to avoid outdoor activities during poor air quality times.

Station 10118
Klamath Falls - Peterson School

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Air Quality Rating:	Good
Air Quality Index:	46
Critical Pollutant:	PM 2.5
Concentration:	11.2 µg/m3
Last Report:	Aug 8 2013 4:00PM PDT
Information:	Smoke in area. Wildfire Air Quality Rating (WAQR) used for PM 2.5.

How to Protect Your Family from the Health Effects of Smoke

Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke.

Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. And it's probably not a good time for your children to play outdoors.

Stay indoors during poor air quality times, take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed - unless it's extremely hot outside.

Check and stay informed on current air quality conditions. The AQI (air quality index), based on data from local air quality monitors, tells you about the daily air quality in your area and recommends precautions you can take to protect your health. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air changes - and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. Visit DEQ's website or HealthyKlamath.org for local forecast and conditions.

Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles! Don't vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don't smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them.

While those with heart and lung disease or other respiratory illnesses are at the greatest risk for developing complications due to smoke, it's a good idea for even healthy people to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. 

These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases - and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.

At 8:53AM on Thursday August 8, 2013 current air quality conditions are Moderate. 

This weekend Klamath County Environmental Health is currently predicting good to moderate air quality conditions during the day, with a chance of heavy smoke in the evenings. 

For updated smoke and fire information in Oregon, click here.

Health officials urge residents to stay indoors during poor air quality times

Wildfires are creating hazardous and smoky conditions in Klamath County prompting health officials to recommend the following safety precautions:

·         Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak poor air quality times. To find the latest air quality information, visit http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

·         Children, elderly, homeless, and individuals with respiratory illnesses such as asthma are at the greatest risk of having health problems from smoke. These priority populations can receive free NIOSH-certified N95 respirators during the following times:

o   Thursday, August 8th from 10:30am to 11:30 am at the Senior Center (2045 Arthur Street)

o   Tuesday, August 13th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the Center for Occupational Health (2621 Crosby Avenue).

Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Senior Center are sponsoring these events. The American Red Cross and Klamath County Public Health will distribute NIOSH-certified N95 respirators to priority populations, particularly those on a fixed income, this week.

N95 respirators can be purchased locally at many hardware and drug stores, but remember that the commonly found paper comfort or dust masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. Masks can make the work of breathing more difficult and can lead to increased breathing and heart rates. Because of this people with heart or respiratory diseases should only use a mask under a doctor’s supervision. 

Klamath County Department of Health urges residents take the following precautions to avoid breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke:

·         Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with highest concentrations.

·         Residents can check the current local air quality conditions on DEQ’s website (http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/index.aspx) or call 503-229-6397. Avoid outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy and hazardous.

·         Avoid smoke either by leaving the area or protecting yourself by staying indoors, closing all windows and doors and using a filter in your heating/cooling system that removes very fine particulate matter.

·         Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. Those with heart or lung problems, as well as young children, are especially vulnerable.

·         People suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers. 

Health Issues with Prolonged Smoke Exposure

Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can cause irritation to eyes with symptoms such as burning, redness, and tearing. Even a healthy person’s eyes can be bothered by wildfire smoke exposure.

People with eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, are more susceptible to smoke-exposed eye irritation.

To relieve the symptoms, keep the mucous membranes comfortably moist with over-the-counter artificial tear drops and by staying hydrated. If you are well hydrated, your body will have moisture to make tears that will keep your eyes moist. Running a humidifier may also provide relief. Consult with a doctor if symptoms last longer than several days. If you are in an area where there is a lot of ash or fine dust, use eyewear protection.