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Air quality issues
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman: Air pollution levels have been rising in the Klamath Basin and the state is advising residents to limit use of woodstoves and reduce vehicle idling. Eight of the last 30 days had unhealthy air quality levels, according to the state. |
Residents urged to limit woodstove, vehicle use
By RYAN PFEIL
H&N Staff Writer
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is advising Klamath Falls residents to limit use of woodstoves and reduce vehicle idling following rising air pollution levels in the Klamath Basin.
Particle pollution — airborne particles that can be harmful if inhaled — is at levels considered unsafe for those at risk, such as children and adults with respiratory problems, according to the state DEQ air quality index.
The pollution level is a result of ongoing cold weather and temperature inversions. Low temperatures trap harmful airborne particles close to the ground.
“Statistically, we know that contaminants in the air do adversely affect people’s health,” said Marilyn Sutherland, director of the Klamath County Public Health Department.
Fine particles caused by open burning, wood smoke and car exhaust can damage lung tissue, Sutherland said, adding that this type of smoke can harm individuals more than tobacco smoke because the particles get deeper into lung tissue.
Recommendations
State DEQ officials are recommending young children, pregnant women, people with respiratory and heart conditions and people over age 50 limit outdoor activities until the weather is warmer. Officials also recommended Klamath Basin residents limit their driving unless absolutely necessary.
Unhealthy levels
Eight of the last 30 days had unhealthy air quality levels, according the state DEQ’s 30-day air quality forecast. Of those, three days were considered unhealthy for everyone and five were considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. The remaining days were judged to have good to moderate air quality.
State officials say the temperature and resulting poor air quality is expected to continue through February.
Particle pollution — airborne particles that can be harmful if inhaled — is at levels considered unsafe for those at risk, such as children and adults with respiratory problems, according to the state DEQ air quality index.
The pollution level is a result of ongoing cold weather and temperature inversions. Low temperatures trap harmful airborne particles close to the ground.
“Statistically, we know that contaminants in the air do adversely affect people’s health,” said Marilyn Sutherland, director of the Klamath County Public Health Department.
Fine particles caused by open burning, wood smoke and car exhaust can damage lung tissue, Sutherland said, adding that this type of smoke can harm individuals more than tobacco smoke because the particles get deeper into lung tissue.
Recommendations
State DEQ officials are recommending young children, pregnant women, people with respiratory and heart conditions and people over age 50 limit outdoor activities until the weather is warmer. Officials also recommended Klamath Basin residents limit their driving unless absolutely necessary.
Unhealthy levels
Eight of the last 30 days had unhealthy air quality levels, according the state DEQ’s 30-day air quality forecast. Of those, three days were considered unhealthy for everyone and five were considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. The remaining days were judged to have good to moderate air quality.
State officials say the temperature and resulting poor air quality is expected to continue through February.
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