Smog prompts air quality alert for Portland-Vancouver area amid heatwave

An air quality advisory was issued in the Clark County and surrounding Portland metro area on Monday for elevated levels of smog amid sweltering triple-digit temperatures.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An air quality advisory was issued in the Clark County and surrounding Portland metro area on Monday for elevated levels of smog amid sweltering triple-digit temperatures.

The advisory was issued by Washington's Southwest Clean Air Agency in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, as the agencies expect elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, for the Portland-Vancouver area to reach the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category July 8 through the evening of July 9.

Health officials recommend sensitive groups – including older adults, children, and people with asthma or lung disease – limit outdoor activity under the elevated pollution levels.

Under the advisory, community members are urged to protect their health and help improve air quality by reducing pollution from cars, mowers, paint, and aerosol sprays. Commuters should also consider taking public transportation, carpooling, avoiding unnecessary engine idling. Officials recommend people to refuel their vehicle during cooler evening hours.

According to the Southwest Clean Air Agency, pollution levels peak in the late afternoon and early evening.

“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. Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma,” the Southwest Clean Air Agency said.

The smog advisory comes as Portland could beat a nearly 85-year-old heatwave record for the number of consecutive days at or above 100 degrees and 90 degrees, with temps likely to cool to the upper-80s and lower-90s by Wednesday and Thursday.