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Air quality advisory for Portland metro area and Willamette Valley and eastern Lane County due to smog [Aviso sobre la calidad del aire]

– The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency have issued an air quality advisory starting Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, for the Portland metro area, Willamette Valley and eastern Lane County due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog. DEQ and LRAPA anticipate that this air quality advisory will remain in effect until 10 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.

** Información en español aquí **

DEQ expects ozone pollution to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.

DEQ urges residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during this time. Recommendations include:

• Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or other alternative transportation.
• Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
• Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
• Postpone yard work that uses gas-powered equipment.
• Postpone painting and aerosol spray projects.

Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems. Consult your health care provider if these symptoms worsen.

Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.

Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoons and early evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.

Media contacts:
- Oregon DEQ: Jennifer Flynt, Public Affairs Specialist, 503-730-5924, Jennifer.flynt@deq.oregon.gov
- LRAPA: Matt Sorensen Public Affairs & Project Manager Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA): 541.736.1056 ext 209, msorensen@lrapa-or.gov


Contacts

DEQ Communications and Outreach
Jennifer Flynt
Public Affairs
Headquarters and Environmental Quality Commission
503-730-5924
https://www.oregon.gov/deq/





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