Thread by @OHAOregon

OHA Environmental Public Health Section Manager Gabriela Goldfarb speaking this morning: "We appreciate the opportunity to share some more information about the risks to health this wildfire season and the actions people can take to protect themselves."

"People are still feeling the trauma of the 2020 wildfires, and the deadly heat dome across the state last month, as we already find ourselves in an early and very challenging fire season. This all aligns with climate predictions and means increased risks to our health."

"Fortunately, there is one way we are better off this fire season compared to last, in that many folks are vaccinated against #COVID19."

"We know that exposure to smoke and other forms of air pollution can increase the risk of contracting infectious respiratory disease, increase the severity of those infections, and worsen underlying chronic respiratory conditions."

"We're always concerned about smoke exposure for people w/ heart or lung disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, communities of color, people living in poverty and houseless people. These groups are at higher risk of harmful health effects from wildfire smoke exposure."

"Plan ahead by making sure you have any medications, purchase air filtration devices or filters for your indoor ventilations systems or make your own DIY air cleaner with a box fan and filters. All this information and more is available at our website: healthoregon.org/wildfires"

"If you're in a place with high smoke levels:
◌ Stay inside if possible with windows and doors closed
◌ Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution
◌ Operate your HVAC or air filtration device
◌ Avoid strenuous outdoor activity."

"Keep in mind that smoke particles are very small, and bandanas and similar cloth masks aren’t effective to protect your lungs."

"We know that N95 or P100 respirators approved by @NIOSH may offer protection when properly fitted and worn. They won’t work for everyone, especially children, and people with heart or lung conditions need to consult their healthcare provider before wearing a respirator."

"Since early July we've been monitoring emergency departments and urgent care centers in smoke-impacted areas for reports of people experiencing asthma-like illnesses or other respiratory complaints, as well as mention of wildfire, smoke or disaster."

"So far we aren’t seeing signals of immediate significant smoke impacts to health the way we did with last year’s Labor Day fires, but it’s early in the season, and we will keep monitoring."

"Yesterday, @OregonDEQ extended an air quality advisory at least through tomorrow for Lake and Harney Counties and eastern Klamath County, and issued a new advisory for Baker, Union and Wallowa counties."

"We're seeing smoke from the #BootlegFire impact all these areas, with additional smoke in northeast Oregon from local fires and in south central Oregon from California fires."

"@OregonDEQ consults with OHA and other partners to set these advisories as soon as air quality becomes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, which is the orange level on the Air Quality Index."

"Smoke levels can change rapidly, so people should check the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, or download the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone. People can get more information about protecting their health from smoke at healthoregon.org/wildfires."