Thousands in Oregon warned of “dangerous” air quality this weekend

Thousands of people in parts northern Oregon have been warned of potentially dangerous air quality this weekend.

A map from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow service shows an area of fine particle (PM2.5) pollution around the town of Pendleton in the “very unhealthy” category on the Air Quality Index (AQI) as of 8 a.m. ET Saturday.

Why It Matters

“Very unhealthy” air quality means the risk of negative health effects is increased for everyone, not just those in vulnerable groups. However, individuals most at risk are children, the elderly and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

The EPA considers PM2.5 to be one of the most dangerous forms of pollution as the tiny particles—2.5 micrometers in diameter—can be unknowingly inhaled, potentially penetrating deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream. 

This can cause symptoms including coughing, sneezing, eye, nose, and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It can also trigger or exacerbate health conditions including asthma. 

What To Know

The AirNow map shows that the area of “very unhealthy” air quality also encompasses the town of Pilot Rock on Saturday. This is surrounded by an area of “unhealthy” air quality, covering Cayuse and Holdman.

An Air Quality Advisory has also been issued by Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for southern Deschutes County – including La Pine – until 10 a.m. PT on Monday.

“Oregon DEG has issued an air quality advisory for southern Deschutes County through Monday morning, January 12, due to stagnant air conditions trapping smoke and other air pollutants near the ground where people breathe,” the department said.

The National Weather Service (NWS) added that the advisory was caused by high pressure, which can trap pollutants near the ground and pose health risks. “Pollution has the potential to increase to dangerous levels,” it said.

The NWS said that “persons with respiratory illness should follow their physician’s advice,” and urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and limit the use of wood stoves.

Understanding the EPA/AQI Air Quality Scale

The EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded system used to communicate air pollution risks:

• 0–50 (Green): Good – air quality is considered satisfactory with little or no risk.
• 51–100 (Yellow): Moderate – acceptable air quality, but a risk for sensitive individuals.
• 101–150 (Orange): Unhealthy for sensitive groups – sensitive groups may experience effects; public less likely to be affected.
• 151–200 (Red): Unhealthy – some health effects for the general population; sensitive groups face more serious health consequences.
• 201–300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy – health alert for all; increased risk for everyone.
• 301 and higher (Maroon): Hazardous – emergency conditions; risk of health effects is high for everyone.

What People Are Saying

AirNow says: “Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter, is composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. When exposed to these small particles, people with heart or lung diseases and older adults are more at risk of hospital and emergency room visits or, in some cases, even death from heart or lung disease.

“Even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particles. Symptoms may include: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath. At greatest risk from particle pollution are people with heart or lung disease, older adults (possibly because they may have undiagnosed heart or lung disease), and children.”

What Happens Next

The Air Quality Advisory remains in effect until Monday morning, with updates expected as conditions change.

For further information, residents in affected areas should monitor updates on the AirNow and Oregon DEQ websites.