Smog warning for Portland subway due to heat wave

PORTLAND, Oregon (COIN) – On Monday, an air quality warning was issued in Clark County and the surrounding Portland metropolitan area due to increased smog levels amid sweltering temperatures in the three-digit range.

The warning was issued by the Southwest Clean Air Agency in Washington in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality as authorities expect elevated ozone levels, or smog, in the Portland-Vancouver region, reaching the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category from July 8 through the evening of July 9.

Health authorities recommend that sensitive groups – including older adults, children and people with asthma or lung disease – limit their outdoor activities in light of increased pollutant levels.

Under the recommendation, citizens are urged to protect their health and help improve air quality by reducing pollution from cars, lawnmowers, paint and aerosol sprays. Commuters should also use public transport, carpool and avoid unnecessary engine idling. Authorities recommend that people refuel their vehicle during the cooler evening hours.

According to the Southwest Clean Air Agency, pollution is highest in the late afternoon and early evening.

“On very hot summer days, pollutants from cars, other gasoline-powered engines, and smog-producing chemicals in paints and aerosol sprays can create smog levels that are harmful to health. Smog irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs and can lead to breathing problems, reduced lung function, and asthma,” the Southwest Clean Air Agency said.

The smog warning comes as Portland could break a nearly 85-year-old heatwave record for the number of consecutive days at or above 100 degrees and 90 degrees, with Temperatures are likely to cool to over 30 to below 35 degrees Celsius until Wednesday and Thursday.