LRAPA Release – Air quality advisory issued for eastern Lane County through Sunday afternoon, smoke impacts possible in Eugene and Springfield

August 24, 2023

For More Information Contact:
Travis Knudsen, Public Affairs Manager
541-736-1056 ext. 21

Air quality advisory issued for eastern Lane County through Sunday afternoon, smoke impacts possible in Eugene and Springfield

LANE COUNTY — The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) issued an air quality advisory for eastern Lane County through Sunday afternoon. LRAPA expects periods of Unhealthy to Hazardous air quality in Blue River. Moderate to Unhealthy air quality in
Oakridge. And Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the Eugene/Springfield area.

Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, or by visiting the EPA’s Fire & Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/
For updated heat-related resources and places to cool off, please visit Lane County’s website: http://lanecountyor.gov/cooling

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

– Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.

– Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.

– Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.

– If temperatures allow, when air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.

– If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.