With multiple wildfires in and around Malheur County and across the western states, we’re experiencing poor air quality that can be hazardous to your health. Most of the smoke we’re seeing right now is from Northern California. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Follow these tips and stay informed to protect yourself.
Hazy, smoky air: Do you know what to do?
- Limit your exposure to wildfire smoke.
- Reduce time spent outdoors. This can usually provide some protection, especially in a tightly closed, air-conditioned house. Set your A/C to recycle or recirculate, when at home or in your car, to limit your exposure. Be sure to follow precautions like wearing masks and keeping social distance if you have people outside your household in your home.
- Reduce time you engage in vigorous outdoor activity. It can be an important, effective way to lower the amount of smoke you are breathing in. It can minimize health risks during a smoke event.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
- Reduce other sources of indoor smoke and dust. These can be burning cigarettes, candles, gas, propane and wood burning stoves and furnaces, and vacuuming.
- Check current air quality conditions. Go to http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ to find the current air quality.
- If you have heart or lung disease or respiratory illnesses such as asthma, follow your health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Clinicians
Reducing Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfires and severe smoke can create dangerous conditions for people, especially those with chronic health conditions.
Learn about current wildfires, wildfire smoke conditions, and what you can do to reduce the health effects of wildfire smoke.
Malheur County Health Department 