The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Southwest Washington Air Pollution Control Authority (SWAPCA) have issued a Clean Air Action Day pollution prevention advisory for Friday, August 27th.
The forecast is for hot weather with low winds. Because there is potential for high levels of smog, DEQ and SWAPCA are asking local residents to help keep the air healthy to breathe. You can help lower pollution levels by postponing some trips in your car and not using gas powered lawn mowers until the weather cools down.
Cars are the number one source of smog, so you can help out by choosing an alternative form of transportation, such as mass transit, carpooling or biking.
On the August 27th Clean Air Action Day all C-Tran buses will be free. Special free Clean Air Action Day Tri-Met bus tickets are available at Safeway stores in the Portland area. Ask for a Tri-Met Fresh Air Kit at Safeway customer service offices.
On very hot summer days, pollution from cars, other gas-powered engines, and smog-producing chemicals in paints and aerosol sprays can create unhealthy levels of smog. Also known as ground-level ozone, smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma. Smog is especially harmful to young children, older people and individuals with chronic lung problems.
You can find out about air pollution levels on the Air Pollution Index by calling 503-229-6397 or checking the DEQ website at: www.deq.state.or.us/