Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
monitors air pollution throughout the state to ensure that air quality
standards are being met. Since wildfires often occur in remote areas, air
monitoring equipment may not be available. Smoke levels can rise and fall
rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind direction. Making visual
observations is a simple way of estimating smoke levels and what precautions to
take. While this method can be a useful tool, persons should always use caution
and avoid going outside if visibility is limited, especially persons who may be
sensitive to smoke.
Wondering what the quality of air is? Use the chart below to estimate air quality in your area.
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5-3-1 Visibility Guide to Smoke
and Air Quality*
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If
You Are:
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Or
You Have:
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AQI Category (24-hr average PM2.5 in ug/m3
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Visibility Index
(How far
you can see)
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*An Adult
*A Teenager
*An Older Child
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*Age 65 or older
* Pregnant
*A Young Child
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* Asthma
* Respiratory Illness
*Lung or Heart Disease
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Good
(0-12 ug/m3)
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over 15 miles
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Air quality is generally good
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Moderate
(13-35 ug/m3)
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5 – 15 miles
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Air quality is moderate.
Avoid prolonged exposure to smoke where visibility is closer to 5 mile
range.
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These smoke sensitive persons may begin to notice deterioration
of air quality and should minimize outdoor activity.
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Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
(36-55 ug/m3)
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3 – 5 miles
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Avoid prolonged exposure to smoke.
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Unhealthy air quality.
Minimize exposure by staying inside where air is cleaner
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Unhealthy
(56-150 ug/m3)
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1 – 3 miles
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Unhealthy air quality. Minimize exposure by staying inside where air is cleaner
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Avoid all outdoor activity – stay inside where air
quality is clean.
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Very Unhealthy
(151-250 ug/m3)
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1 – 3 miles
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Hazardous
(>251 ug/m3)
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Less than 1 mile
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Everyone should avoid all outdoor activities. Relief from heavy smoke conditions is
best accomplished by leaving for cleaner air.
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No
matter how far you can see, if you feel like you are having health effects from
smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better
air quality. You should also see
your doctor or other health professional as needed.
*
adapted from Oregon Wildfire Response Protocol for
Severe Smoke Episodes, version 2.0, June 3, 2014