Bend, Oregon's Air Quality: Is It Safe To Breathe?

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, is a cause for concern. While the air quality is currently rated as good, it worsened in 2020, recording the worst annual average since records began. The PM2.5 level, a measure of fine particulate matter in the air, is over six times the recommended level by the World Health Organization. This level of pollution can cause throat irritation and difficulty breathing, even for healthy individuals. To protect themselves, residents are advised to stay indoors and use air purifiers.

The Bend-Redmond-Prineville area had six orange level days and two red days in 2016

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, is a concern for residents and visitors alike. While the area boasts stunning natural scenery, it has also experienced poor air quality in recent years. Notably, in 2016, the Bend-Redmond-Prineville area recorded six orange level days and two red days.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) uses colours to indicate the level of air pollution and the potential health risks associated with it. Orange level days are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. On these days, sensitive individuals may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation, and they are advised to reduce their time spent outdoors.

Red days, on the other hand, are considered unhealthy for everyone. During these periods, even healthy individuals may experience negative health effects, and everyone is advised to limit their outdoor activities. The high pollution levels on red days can lead to serious health issues for those exposed, even for a few minutes.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality launched the Clean Fuels Program in 2016 to address the state's transportation-related carbon footprint. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by promoting the use of clean fuels, which have lower carbon emissions than traditional gasoline and diesel. Despite these efforts, Bend recorded its worst annual average air pollution figure in 2020, with a reading of 13.6 µg/m³.

To protect their health, residents and visitors in Bend are encouraged to stay informed about the current air quality conditions and follow recommended guidelines. Real-time air pollution maps and apps, such as AirVisual, provide up-to-date information on air quality, helping individuals make informed decisions about their outdoor activities and take necessary precautions.

The air quality is generally acceptable, but sensitive groups may experience symptoms

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, is generally acceptable, but sensitive groups may experience symptoms. While most people can go about their normal outdoor activities, sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions, may experience minor to moderate symptoms with long-term exposure to the current air quality. It is important to note that the air quality data for Bend, Oregon, is subject to change and may be amended without notice.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standard metric used to report daily air quality. It provides information on how clean or polluted the air is and any associated health effects that sensitive groups may experience. The AQI focuses on health effects that may be experienced within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.

The AQI categorizes air quality as good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, or hazardous. Each category is associated with a specific range of AQI values and a colour code. For instance, an AQI value of 0 to 50 is considered good and is colour-coded in green, while an AQI value of 301 to 400 is hazardous and is colour-coded in maroon.

According to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Bend-Redmond-Prineville area had six orange-level days, which are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and two red days, which are considered unhealthy for everyone. These levels of air pollution can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation, especially for those in sensitive groups. It is recommended that sensitive groups reduce their time spent outdoors if they experience any symptoms and that everyone limit their outdoor activities to prevent potential health issues.

The PM2.5 level is over six times the recommended amount

The air quality in Bend, Oregon, is a cause for concern, with the PM2.5 level being over six times the recommended amount set by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to IQAir, the PM2.5 level in Bend was recorded at 65.6 µg/m³, far exceeding the WHO's recommended level of 10 µg/m³. This level of air pollution can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the area.

The high level of PM2.5 pollution in Bend, Oregon, is likely due to a variety of factors, including vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Cars and trucks are the primary source of air pollution in Oregon, contributing to about 90% of the total air pollution in the state. The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions provided a unique opportunity to observe the impact of reduced vehicle traffic on air quality. In 2020, despite the decrease in vehicle usage and the closure of small factories and non-essential production units, Bend recorded its worst annual average air quality since records began. This surprising figure highlights the complexity of air pollution sources and the need for comprehensive solutions.

The health risks associated with high levels of PM2.5 pollution are significant, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. During periods of high air pollution, it is advised to stay indoors, avoid outdoor exercise, and use an air purifier if available. Wearing a high-quality face mask is essential if venturing outside is unavoidable. These measures are crucial to mitigate the immediate health impacts of air pollution.

To address the air quality issues in Bend, Oregon, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has implemented the Clean Fuels Program. This program aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation by promoting the use of clean fuels with lower carbon emissions compared to traditional gasoline and diesel. By targeting the primary source of air pollution in the state, the Clean Fuels Program has the potential to significantly improve air quality and public health in Bend and across Oregon.

Additionally, real-time air pollution maps and plugins are available for Bend, Oregon, providing residents with up-to-date information on air quality. These tools empower individuals to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities and take necessary precautions to protect their health. It is important for residents to stay informed about the air quality and follow recommended guidelines to safeguard their well-being during periods of high air pollution.

The air quality worsened in 2020, despite COVID-19 restrictions

Despite the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the air quality in Bend, Oregon, worsened, recording the worst annual average figure since records began. The air quality index (AQI) reading was 13.6 µg/m³, which is surprising given the reduced pollution levels resulting from the COVID-19 situation. The pandemic led to a decrease in vehicle usage as many people worked from home, and temporary closures of small factories and non-essential production units, all of which typically improve air quality.

However, the Clean Fuels Program, launched in 2016 by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, aims to address the transportation sector's impact on air quality. This program estimates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the life cycle of fuels used in Oregon and promotes the use of clean fuels with lower carbon emissions than gasoline and standard diesel. Despite these efforts, the air quality in Bend-Redmond-Prineville was unhealthy for sensitive groups for six days and unhealthy for everyone for two days.

The high levels of air pollution in Bend, Oregon, are primarily driven by vehicle emissions. Cars and trucks are the leading source of air pollution in the state, contributing about 90% of the total. Additionally, the population growth in Oregon has led to increased emissions from traffic, construction, and wood stoves. The state is addressing this issue by mandating the electrification of all vehicle sectors and requiring manufacturers to increase the sales of zero-emission vehicles over time.

Furthermore, wildfires significantly impact the air quality in Oregon, particularly in the late summer and early fall months. The 2020 "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association ranked Oregon cities among the worst in the country for short-term PM2.5 pollution. The increase in wildfire activity, fuelled by hot, dry winds, contributes to the degradation of air quality. The Bootleg Fire, for example, displaced about 2,000 residents and threatened the state's power grid.

While the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 initially improved air quality by reducing vehicle traffic emissions, the overall air quality in Bend, Oregon, worsened due to various factors. These include vehicle emissions, population growth, and the impact of wildfires. The state of Oregon is taking measures to mitigate the consequences of climate change and protect the health of its residents by promoting the use of clean fuels and electrifying vehicle sectors.

Sources of air quality data include AccuWeather, AirVisual, and aqicn

In Bend, Oregon, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is reported as Good by IQAir. However, in the past, the area has experienced days with unhealthy air quality levels. The Bend-Redmond-Prineville area had six orange-level days, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and two red days, deemed unhealthy for everyone, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The high pollution levels in Bend are attributed mainly to vehicle exhausts and small factories, with cars and trucks being the primary sources of air pollution in Oregon, contributing to about 90% of it.

Despite efforts to improve air quality, such as the Clean Fuels Program by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the annual average figure for air pollution in Bend worsened in 2020, reaching 13.6 µg/m³. This unexpected increase occurred despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 situation, which reduced traffic and temporarily closed many small factories. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a PM2.5 level of 10 µg/m³, but Bend recorded a significantly higher level of 65.6 µg/m³. During periods of high pollution, it is advised to stay indoors with closed doors and windows, use air purifiers, and avoid outdoor exercise.

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