Urgent Air Quality Alert: Josephine County Under Severe Smoke Advisory

A critical air quality alert has been issued for Josephine County, effective all day Tuesday, as a thick blanket of wildfire smoke settles over the region. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to safeguard their health against the pervasive and unhealthy air.

This advisory comes as smoke from ongoing wildfires continues to drift into the county, significantly degrading air quality to levels that pose a serious risk.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has warned that concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to reach unhealthy levels, impacting everyone, but particularly vulnerable populations.

Those most at risk include children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and anyone with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

Exposure to high levels of smoke can exacerbate these conditions, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Even healthy individuals may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

To minimize exposure, residents should remain indoors as much as possible, keeping windows and doors tightly closed.

If you have an HVAC system, ensure it's running with a high-efficiency filter (MERV 13 or higher) or consider using a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter. Avoid activities that stir up indoor air pollutants like vacuuming, burning candles, or using gas stoves.

Furthermore, strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided entirely.

If you must venture outside, wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator mask can offer some protection, though it's not a substitute for staying indoors. Pay close attention to your body and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or become severe.

Officials recommend monitoring current air quality conditions through reputable sources like the Oregon DEQ's air quality index (AQI) or the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website. Staying informed is your best defense against the health hazards presented by this smoke event.

Let's unite as a community to protect ourselves and our loved ones during this challenging period. Prioritize your health by following these guidelines until the air quality improves.