Higher temperatures could raise pollution levels
This is a press release courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency
High temperatures forecasted for the Willamette Valley over the next several days brings the possibility of higher pollution levels in the local area.
LRAPA will be closely monitoring the levels and reminds the community that individuals who are sensitive to pollution – especially those with heart or lung problems, circulation issues, the elderly, children and pregnant women – need to pay close attention to their general feeling of wellbeing during this time.
That said, if the prediction holds, a call for high temperatures with northeasterly winds 10 – 15 miles per hour, the Eugene/Springfield area may escape high pollution levels.
“Generally the pollution levels stay within an acceptable range even in hot weather when we have winds at 10 miles per hour or greater,” said Kim Metzler, LRAPA spokeswoman. “On the other hand, if we see temperatures in the high 90s with little air movement, pollution levels build pretty quickly.”
Residents are encouraged to monitor their own lifestyle behaviors to minimize pollution. They can reduce their own impact by driving less, not topping off their gas tanks at the pumps, filling up during cool hours, and avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
The agency will notify the community if pollution levels begin to climb. The Environmental Protection Agency has set air pollution safety thresholds, which LRAPA uses as a guide for informing the public of current and forecasted conditions.
The general pollutant of concern during hot summer days is ground-level ozone, or smog. However, smoke from wild fires and field burning during this time of year adds to the mix, compounding complications for some people.
Individuals interested in tracking the daily and hourly pollution levels can do so by visiting LRAPA’s homepage at www.lrapa.org.
