Air quality warning remains in effect for much of Southern Oregon – KQEN News Radio

July 24, 2024, 04:10 am

An air quality warning remains in effect for much of southern Oregon until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air pollution warning for Douglas, Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties.

The wildfires raging in the region and the weather forecasts are causing fluctuations in air quality, which could potentially reach levels that are harmful to health. Smoke concentrations can change rapidly depending on the weather. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and aggravate some illnesses.

Those most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, the elderly and pregnant women.

To protect your health, residents can take the following precautions:

* Follow local combustion regulations to prevent deterioration of air quality

* Avoid strenuous outdoor activities in poor air quality

*People with heart or lung problems and small children are particularly at risk. These people should stay indoors when smoke levels are high.

*Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.

* Avoid using wood stoves and other smoke sources indoors if possible.

For more information, visit www.oregonsmoke.org

Listen to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and visit www.541radio.com for current air quality and weather information.