Bend's Air Quality: A Pollution Crisis Unveiled

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, USA, is a concern for many, with the area experiencing periods of unhealthy air quality. In August 2021, the air quality was deemed unhealthy with a US AQI reading of 156, over six times the recommended level by the World Health Organization (WHO). The worst month for air quality in 2020 was September, with a recorded figure of 99.4 µg/m³. The following month, the air quality improved to the moderate category with a reading of 12.1 µg/m³. From 2014 to 2016, the Bend-Redmond-Prineville region was ranked 26th for the highest number of days with unhealthy levels of particle pollution, which can include vehicle exhaust and smoke from forest fires. While real-time air pollution maps and applications are available to monitor air quality in Bend, it is important to note that data and information are subject to change and may not always be fully accurate. As of April 13, 2025, the AQI level in Bend was 21, which is considered good.

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, is generally good

While Bend typically enjoys good air quality, there have been periods of poor air quality in the past. For example, in August 2021, the air quality in Bend was classified as "'unhealthy' due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), with a US AQI reading of 156. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a PM2.5 level of 10 µg/m³, and during that period, Bend's PM2.5 level was over six times the recommended amount.

Additionally, according to a report by the American Lung Association, the Bend-Redmond-Prineville region was ranked as having the 26th highest number of days with unhealthy levels of particle pollution from 2014 to 2016. Particle pollution includes vehicle exhaust, smoke from forest fires, and wood-burning stoves, which can lead to serious health issues, especially for people with chronic conditions.

Despite these instances of poor air quality, overall, Bend experiences good air quality for the majority of the year. In 2020, for instance, the city had nine months where the air quality met the WHO's target figure of 10 µg/m³ or less. The best air quality that year was recorded in June, with a reading of just 2.3 µg/m³.

The air quality in Bend is monitored in real time by various organizations, and residents can access this information through websites and applications, helping them stay informed and take necessary precautions when needed.

However, in August 2021, the air quality was unhealthy

Bend, Oregon, has generally good air quality. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic saw a reduction in vehicles on the road and the closure of small factories and non-essential production units, which led to an improvement in air quality. However, 2020 still recorded the worst annual average figure since records began.

The worst month for air quality in 2020 was September, with a recorded figure of 99.4 µg/m³, which is classified as "Unhealthy". The following month, October, saw a "Moderate" reading of 12.1 µg/m³, and August had "Good" quality air with a figure of 10.6 µg/m³. For the remaining nine months of the year, Bend achieved the World Health Organization's (WHO) target figure of 10 µg/m³ or less. The best air quality was recorded in June 2020, with a reading of just 2.3 µg/m³.

As of April 13, 2025, the air quality in Bend has improved, with an AQI level of 21, which is considered "Good". The real-time air pollution PM2.5 was 4µg/m³, and PM10 was 15µg/m³. The air quality is considered satisfactory, and people can enjoy outdoor activities without risk.

The worst month for air quality in 2020 was September

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, USA, is generally good, but there are times when it dips and becomes unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups. The worst month for air quality in 2020 was September, with a recorded figure of 99.4 µg/m³. This is classified as "Unhealthy", with figures between 55.5 and 150.4 µg/m³ falling into this category.

The high level of pollution in September 2020 is surprising, given that the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time would have drastically reduced pollution in the area. Many vehicles were off the road, and their drivers were working from home. Small factories and non-essential production units were also closed, which would have improved air quality. Despite these factors, Bend recorded its worst annual average figure since records began.

The Environmental Protection Agency defines air pollution as "the presence of contaminants or pollutant substances in the air that interfere with human health or welfare or produce other harmful environmental effects". Cars and trucks are the primary source of air pollution in Oregon, with around 90% of pollution generated by everyday activities such as driving. Other sources of particle pollution in the area include vehicle exhaust, smoke from forest fires, and wood-burning stoves.

The effects of poor air quality can be immediately felt by sensitive groups, who should avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. Sensitive groups include children and the elderly, as well as individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or diabetes. Even healthy individuals may experience negative health effects, such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation, with prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution.

Particle pollution is a concern, especially from vehicle exhausts

Particle pollution is a serious concern in Bend, Oregon, particularly from vehicle exhausts. In 2020, despite COVID-19 restrictions reducing the number of vehicles on the road, the city recorded its worst annual average pollution figure since records began. Cars and trucks are the primary source of air pollution in Oregon, contributing to around 90% of total air pollution.

The American Lung Association's report highlights this issue, ranking the Bend-Redmond-Prineville region as having the 26th highest number of days with unhealthy levels of particle pollution from 2014 to 2016. This includes pollution from vehicle exhausts, smoke from forest fires, and wood-burning stoves, all of which can lead to serious health complications, especially for those with chronic conditions.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Bend have fluctuated over the years, with the worst month for air quality in 2020 being September, recording a figure of 99.4 µg/m³, classified as "Unhealthy". In August 2021, the air quality was also deemed "Unhealthy" with a US AQI reading of 156. The PM2.5 level during this period was 65.6 µg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended level of 10 µg/m³ by more than six times.

However, as of April 13, 2025, the real-time AQI level in Bend was recorded as 21, which is considered "Good". At this level, the air quality is generally satisfactory, and individuals can engage in outdoor activities without much risk. Nevertheless, sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, may still experience symptoms with long-term exposure, even at moderate pollution levels.

Sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure

While the air quality in Bend, Oregon, is generally considered acceptable for most individuals, sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure. Sensitive groups include children and the elderly, as well as individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or diabetes. For these individuals, long-term exposure to polluted air in Bend can lead to minor to moderate health symptoms.

The air quality in Bend has been recorded as "Unhealthy" on several occasions, with high levels of particle pollution. Particle pollution includes vehicle exhaust, smoke from forest fires, and wood-burning stoves, which are common sources of air pollution in Oregon. In August 2021, Bend had a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 156, which is calculated based on the levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a PM2.5 level of 10 µg/m³, but Bend recorded a level of 65.6 µg/m³ during this period.

Long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to various symptoms in sensitive groups, including respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation. It is advised that individuals in sensitive groups should reduce the time spent outside if they are experiencing these symptoms. In some cases, even healthy individuals may experience these symptoms with prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution.

While the air quality in Bend may pose risks to sensitive groups, there are also periods of good air quality. For example, in June 2020, Bend recorded a very low reading of just 2.3 µg/m³, indicating clean air. Additionally, the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 led to a reduction in pollution due to fewer vehicles on the road and the closure of small factories and non-essential production units. This resulted in an improvement in air quality, with a reading of 10.6 µg/m³ in August 2020, falling within the "Good" category.

It is important for individuals in sensitive groups to stay informed about the real-time air quality in their area and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Resources such as air quality maps and monitoring stations can help track air pollution levels and provide guidance on appropriate actions to reduce potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to polluted air.

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