Oregon emergency officials issued an alert Thursday saying vulnerable people in the Salem and Oregon City areas should limit outdoor activity when possible because of smog.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says the pollution can be especially unhealthy for people in sensitive groups, including children, seniors, those who are pregnant and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions.
Smog is caused by high levels of ozone pollution in the air and can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs. The DEQ alert says the conditions usually get worse in the afternoon and early evening as pollution particles bake in the sunlight and heat.
The advisory is expected to last until Thursday evening.
DEQ says people can help clear the air by limiting driving, taking public transit and avoiding unnecessary engine idling. It’s also a good idea to postpone lawn mowing, leaf blowing, painting or aerosol spraying.
For the latest air quality conditions and advisories visit DEQ’s Air Quality Index.