Thousands of residents across portions of Washington and Oregon faced potentially unhealthy levels of air pollution early on Wednesday, a live map from AirNow, a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other agencies showed.
Experts caution that deteriorating air quality heightens health risks for vulnerable populations, such as older adults, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses.
EPA mapping showed levels of fine particle (PM2.5) pollution in the “unhealthy” range encompassing a zone around Wenatchee in Washington’s Chelan County as of approximately 8:15 a.m. ET.
Simultaneously, a second, much smaller pocket of polluted air was situated just south of Portland, Oregon. This spanned locales including Mulino and Liberal.
At this level, official guidance directs members of sensitive groups—which includes children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions—to avoid long or intense outdoor activities and to consider moving these indoors or rescheduling. Officials also advise the general population to take more breaks during outdoor activities.
More to follow.
