BEND, OR -- Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution advisory for Central Oregon, through Monday. Frank Messina, with the DEQ's Bend office, says conditions are perfect for smoke and other pollutants to get trapped at ground level. "The National Weather Service has designation air stagnation conditions and as a result, we’re issuing an air pollution advisory because we don’t get a lot of ventilation during those times and air pollution would just not blow through."
The advisory stretches from Kennewick, Washington to Pendleton, into Prineville and Bend.
Messina tells KBND News smoke from woodstoves, outdoor burns and fireplaces are common pollutants this time of year. "When you have good ventilation it blows through and it’s not a problem. But, during these inversions, that’s why we have this advisory."
The very young, elderly and those with respiratory problems are at highest risk for problems. "Let’s use some common sense, you know? Don’t put off a lot of pollution; especially no open burning and only use certified woodstoves. Try to limit the amount of air pollution as much as possible, for you and your neighbor," says Messina.
To monitor air quality across Oregon, visit the DEQ's Air Quality Index website.
