PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — As wildfires rage across Oregon, the impacts to air quality are just now starting to impact some of the state’s larger urban regions.
This week, Portland’s air quality was rated among the worst globally, and the Oregon Health Authority says hospitals are starting to see the impacts.
“We are now seeing an elevated number of visits (to hospitals) above the numbers we would normally see in all parts of the state that are experiencing nearby wildfire smoke impacts and distant wildfire smoke impacts like here in the Willamette Valley,” said Gabriella Goldfarb OHA’s Environmental Public Health Section Manager.
Goldfarb noted that the data was provided by ERs across the state and is current as of Tuesday. She said the increased numbers are showing that people visiting medical facilities with smoke-pollution-related issues are mainly those between the ages of 18 and 44. Individuals most at risk are children and elderly as well as pregnant people and those with a respiratory or heart condition.
Goldfarb speculated that perhaps younger individuals were seeking care for this more because they may think of themselves as more vulnerable and thus power through concerning symptoms rather than stay inside or rest.
Dr. Erika Maria Mosesón, pulmonary and critical care physician and Legacy Medical Group, agreed, noting that individuals working outside should also be particularly cautious.
“Other people we really got to think about are the outdoor workers and sometimes we think of them as, you know, big, tough guys who may not be that vulnerable to pollution and stress, but they’re working really hard, they’re taken in that big breath full of wildfire smoke and also exerting themselves in the heat and maybe losing their ability to regulate,” she said.
“I would really look for signs of chest tightness. Like in terms of impacts of pollution, making people sick or any chest tightness, trouble breathing, things like that, you know. It’s not in your head; it could definitely be real,” she said.
For people with air conditioning, officials recommend setting systems to recirculate indoor air rather than pulling air in from outside.
For those without air conditioning, officials suggest using an air purifier. But because many households don’t own one or can’t afford to buy one, experts say a simple do-it-yourself alternative can help.
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A homemade air cleaner can be made by attaching a MERV 13 air filter to the back of a standard box fan with tape. A box fan typically costs about $20 at major retailers, while a MERV 13 filter costs about $30 at most hardware stores.
If available, a HEPA filter is even more effective than a MERV 13 filter, though officials say those may be harder to find during periods of poor air quality.
Experts say the people most likely to benefit from cleaner indoor air include pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
While the county is not opening dedicated cooling centers, officials are encouraging residents to spend time in existing cool public spaces, including libraries, community centers and shopping malls.
Meals on Wheels People dining centers are also open for adults 60 and older. In addition, hundreds of overnight shelter beds are available through the city of Portland.
According to Multnomah County, temperatures have not reached the threshold required to open dedicated cooling centers.
Anyone who needs help finding a place to cool down with cleaner air can call 211.