8/27/2014 Deception Complex - Smoke Impact

For the first time this year, the air quality index has reached the “Red/Unhealthy” range due to wildfire smoke from the Deception Creek Complex in Oakridge and surrounding areas. The Eugene/Springfield area is reading in the high “Yellow/ Moderate” range and may climb to the “Orange/ Unsafe for Sensitive Groups (USG)” level.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines the “Unhealthy” level on the Air Quality Index (AQI) as, “Unhealthy: Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.” The AQI is divided into six categories: good/green; moderate/yellow; unhealthy for sensitive groups/orange; unhealthy/red; very unhealthy/purple; and hazardous/maroon.
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) warns residents to take precaution with their activities. It is recommended to stay indoors if possible and limit outdoor activity, especially for children, seniors, and people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Exposure to excess smoke could cause repeated coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness or pain in your chest, palpitations, unusual fatigue, and lightheadedness. Please contact your healthcare provider or doctor if you feel these health impacts from smoke.
LRAPA is closely monitoring the smoke situation and will provide updates as needed. The public can track hourly particulate levels by logging onto the LRAPA website at www.LRAPA.org or on twitter @LaneRegionalAir.
For more information, please call Jo Niehaus, LRAPA’s public affairs manager at 541-736-1056 ext 217.