Air quality advisory for extended Eastern Lane County

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) extended the air quality advisory on Thursday for Eastern Lane County. LRAPA expects intermittent smoke in the following areas through at least Monday night. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, or by visiting the EPA’s Fire & Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

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.

– Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

– 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.

– 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 an N, R, or P alongside the numbers 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 healthcare provider before wearing a respirator.