Forest Fires and Respiratory Health Fact Sheet

Wildfires are an ongoing concern where there is dry, hot weather. During a wildfire, people throughout the surrounding area may suffer the effects of forest fire smoke. If you have respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis or a chronic heart disease, we urge you to monitor your breathing and exposure to airborne matter. If problems develop call your physician immediately.

General Recommendations

·         Stay indoors: People living in close proximity to the fire-stricken areas should remain indoors and avoid inhalation of smoke, ashes and particulate matter in the area.

·         Don't count on a dust mask: Ordinary dust masks, designed to filter out large particles, will not help as they still allow the more dangerous smaller particles to pass through. Special, more expensive dust masks with true HEPA filters will filter out the damaging fine particles, but are difficult for people with lung disease to use. Consult with your physician before using a mask, especially if you have a lung disease.

·         Don't exercise outside: If you live close to or in the surrounding area, it's recommended that you refrain from exercising outdoors, especially if you smell smoke or notice eye or throat irritation.

·         Take precautions for kids: Extra precaution should be taken for children, who are more susceptible to smoke because their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe in more air (and consequently more pollution) per pound of body mass than adults.

·         Roll up your car windows: When driving your car in smoky areas, keep your windows and vents closed. Air conditioning should only be operated in the "recirculate" setting.

·         Put air conditioners on recirculate: Stay inside as much as possible, with doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners and air cleaners. Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting so outside air will not be moved into the room.

If You Have Respiratory Problems or Chronic Heart Disease

·         Keep an eye on symptoms: Due to the higher levels of pollutants in some areas, there is a possibility of experiencing increased symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, please try to contact your physician. If you cannot, asthma patients can follow the asthma action plan developed with their physician. Use your peak flow meter if prescribed. Do not hesitate to take your medication, and avail yourself of the full spectrum of medications your doctor has prescribed to you.

·         Check in with your doctor: People with asthma should check with their physician regarding any changes in medication that may be needed to cope with the smoky conditions.

·         Ask about your oxygen use: People using oxygen should not adjust their levels of intake before consulting a physician. (Call your doctor BEFORE you take any action.)

·         Know when to seek medical attention: If pulmonary symptoms are not relieved by the usual medicines, seek medical attention. Symptoms to watch for: wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty taking a full breath, chest heaviness, light headedness, and dizziness. If you have any concerns or questions please contact your physician.

·         Watch for breathing issues after exposure: If you develop a persistent cough, or difficult or painful breathing, call your physician. The onset of symptoms can appear as late as 24 to 48 hours after exposure and that smoke can remain in areas for many days after the fires have ended.

Clean Up

Residents and volunteers should use caution during clean-up because the process involves ashes and other particulates.

·         Avoid dust and soot: People with lung or heart problems should avoid clean-up activities and areas where dust or soot are present.

·         Reduce airborne particulates: Thoroughly wet dusty and soot area prior to clean-up. This will help to reduce the amount of particulates becoming airborne.

·         Cover your face: Wear an appropriate dust mask during clean-up.

·         Do not disturb: If exposure to asbestos or other hazardous materials are suspected, do not disturb the area. Dust masks do not protect against asbestos.

External Resources

·         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Wildfires

·         Environmental Protection Agency: How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health

For more information on respiratory health please contact our Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA.

Travelers' Health Friday May 1st

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.

Travelers' Health Friday May 1st

Don’t forget to check the Air Quality Index when you’re on vacation or travel in the U.S. Get the daily AQI forecast for the city you’re visiting on the AirNow website, by signing up for free EnviroFlash email notifications, or by downloading the AirNow app for iPhone and Android – all available at www.airnow.gov. Find out about the overall air quality in an area before you visit.  AirCompare provides local air quality information to help you make informed, health-protective decisions about moving or vacationing. This easy-to-use tool can tell you what time of year an area has the best air quality, and whether the air quality has improved . AirCompare allows you to compare air quality between counties, based on specific health concerns or activity level. You can also use AirCompare to get the monthly average of unhealthy air quality days for up to 10 counties within one state or multiple states. Also check out the air quality in National Parks.

 

Source: http://www.airnow.gov/

Get Outside…with the Air Quality Index! Thursday April 30th

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.

Get Outside…with the Air Quality Index! Thursday April 30th

Let’s say that air quality where you live is forecast to be orange or red tomorrow. If you’re a runner – even if you’re healthy – the air quality can be harmful to you.  Reduce the amount of particulate matter you breathe in a few ways:  Plan your run for the morning, when particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels generally are lower; shorten your run, walk instead, or run on a treadmill indoors, where particulate matter PM 2.5 levels are lower. AQI recommendations apply to other outdoor activities, too – including activities like working in the garden! So on a poor air quality day, think about doing less-strenuous chores, like light raking or pruning instead of heavy shoveling or planting. Also, take more frequent breaks – resting reduces your exposure. Find your AQI forecast: On  www.klamathair.org Download the free AirNow app for iPhone or Android. Sign up for AirNow EnviroFlash, a free service that sends air quality info to your e-mail or mobile phone e-mail address. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides additional Air Quality Forecast Guidance. Use the Activity Guidelines to promote both an active lifestyle and air quality health for children and teenagers.

 

Source: http://www.airnow.gov/

Air Quality & Your Health Wednesday April 29th

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.

Air Quality & Your Health

You’re doing a lot of things to keep your heart healthy. You eat right. You exercise. You don’t smoke. Are you paying attention to air quality? If not, today’s the day to start.

Air pollution – especially particle pollution -- is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exposure to fine particles has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and early death in people with heart disease.

What can you do? Do everything you’re supposed to for good heart health. And pay attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) – especially if have heart disease, or if you’re at greater risk of a heart attack (including men over 45 and women over 55).

When the AQI forecast or advisory reaches Red (unhealthy for sensitive groups) make some adjustments to your exercise plans. Walking instead of running, or weeding your garden instead of moving a lot of heavy mulch, are just a couple of examples of things you can do to reduce the amount of pollution you breathe in when you exercise. And always exercise away from busy roads if you can: particle levels generally are higher in those areas.

Don’t wait for symptoms to tell you if particles are affecting you: your first symptom could be a heart attack.

Learn more about protecting your health with the Air Quality Index.

Protect your heart from air pollution with EPA’s Healthy Hearts program.

The Million Hearts® federal program brings together communities, health systems, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners to fight heart disease and stroke

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.

Monday April 27^th Air Quality Awareness Week

 Actions You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution, Follow these Tips Every Day to Reduce Pollution:

·   Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.

·   Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.

·   Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.

·   Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely.

·   Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.

·   Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.

·   Be sure your tires are properly inflated.

·   Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.

·   Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.

·   Consider using gas logs instead of wood.

On Days when High Particle Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps to Reduce Pollution:

·   Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.

·   Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.

·   Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.

·   Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

 

If you have questions contact the Klamath County Air Quality Program at 883-1122

Please get word out that This Sunday is the end of Spring Open Burning Window.

 

The 2015 Spring Open Burn Window for the Air Quality Zone began Saturday April 4^th and ends Sunday April 19th  Check www.klamathair.org for further information. Call each day to make sure it is a green day prior to burning.                                                        

                             

THE AQ ADVISORY FROM NOON today Wednesday April 15, 2015 TO NOON, Thursday April 16, 2015 IS GREEN.  

 

The Green Advisory Call means:

 

WITHIN THE AQ ZONE, ALL WOODSTOVES, PELLET STOVES AND FIREPLACES MAY BE  USED FROM Noon Wednesday April 15th to NOON Thursday April 16^th.

 

Ø  OUTSIDE THE AQ ZONE, ALL WOODSTOVES, PELLET STOVES AND FIREPLACES MAY BE USED.

 

1.     OUTDOOR OR OPEN BURNING ALLOWED INSIDE THE AIR QUALITY ZONE. The 2015 Spring Open Burn Window began Saturday April 4, 2015 and will end Sunday April 19, 2015. Fire District requirements for public safety are: The wind must be between 4 to 10 mph. For wind speed call 883-8127.

 

Ø  OUTDOOR OR OPEN BURNING IS ALLOWED OUTSIDE THE AIR QUALITY ZONE, do not burn trash.

 

  

ONLY USE SEASONED DRY WOOD IN YOUR WOODSTOVES.

 

For a map of the Air Quality Zone and other information, CONSULT OUR WEBSITE AT then

http://www.klamathcounty.org/ click on Environmental Health.

 

If you have Air Quality questions or have a question about an exemption to use your woodstove on Red or Yellow Advisory Days CALL US @ 883-5118.

 

 

            As allowed by the Klamath County Air Quality Ordinance, the 2015 Spring Open Burn Window within the Klamath County Air Quality Zone will start on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. and will end Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm.

 

Public Health requirements for clean air are:

1.       The Air Quality Advisory must be “GREEN”. Find out the daily advisory by calling 541-882-BURN (2876).

2.       Only residential yard waste, such as tree limbs, brush, and leaves may be burned.

3.       All burning must occur between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and be fully extinguished by 5:00 pm.

4.       No trash, plastic, rubber, tar, petroleum products, treated or painted wood may be burned.

5.       The use of Burn Barrels is prohibited.

6.       The burning of commercial, construction, demolition or industrial waste is not included in this burn window.  Burning for these purposes requires a special permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; contact Bonnie Hough at the DEQ office in Bend at (541) 633-2016.

7.       Agricultural burning inside the Air Quality Zone is prohibited without a certificate of variance.

 

Fire District requirements for public safety are:

2.       The wind must be between 4 to 10 mph. For wind speed call 883-8127.

3.       There must be a pressurized water hose at the fire site at all times.

4.       A responsible adult must be present at the fire from the first flame until the fire is extinguished.

5.       The burn pile shall be no larger than 6 feet in diameter and 4 feet high.

6.       There must be a six-foot clear area surrounding the base of the pile and the pile must be at least 20 feet from combustible fences and buildings.

7.       The person conducting any burning is responsible for damage and the cost of an out of control burn as well as traffic problems and other hazards caused by the smoke.

 

The Open Burn Window may be cancelled at any time due to Air Quality or Fire Hazard conditions.

Check with your local Fire District or the City of Klamath Falls (inside the city limits) for additional restrictions.

 

Klamath County Fire District #1     885-2056                     Klamath County Fire District 4                            884-1670

Klamath County Environmental Health   883-1122         City of Klamath Falls Code Enforcement       883-5358