Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory until 8 p.m. Tuesday for Portland, Multnomah County and Clackamas County.
Ozone pollution in Portland, Gresham, Oregon City, Mollala, Sandy, Government Camp and Multnomah Falls could reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions, according to the advisory.
Smog can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs and contribute to breathing problems, the DEQ statement said. Health officials recommend people in sensitive groups limit outdoor activity during the advisory and reach a health care provider if symptoms worsen.
“Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols,” the statement said. “These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.”
Much of Northwest Oregon is under extreme heat warnings from the National Weather Service through Tuesday night. Temperatures are forecast to once again climb toward 100 degrees before cooling down Wednesday.
DEQ officials also urged people to reduce pollution by using public transit or carpooling, turning engines off when unnecessary, refueling gas tanks during cooler evening hours and postponing yard work that uses gas-powered equipment, paint or aerosol spray.
“Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoons and early evenings,” the department statement said. “Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.”
Check current conditions on the department’s Air Quality Index or the free OregonAIR app.
— Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at mkhaw@oregonian.com.
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