In August, Bend was experiencing a period of “Unhealthy” air quality, as classified by the AQI reading of 156. The most prevalent air pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, were used to calculate this index. This index can be used as a standard when comparing air quality in other cities around the world. However, if data for all six pollutants is unavailable, the figure can still be calculated using available data. The recorded level of PM2.5 in Bend was 65.6 µg/m³, which is six times over the recommended level of 10 µg/m³ by the World Health Organization (WHO).
If you download the AirVisual app, it can provide constant updates on the real-time state of the air. This app can help you make decisions, such as whether or not to venture outside. At the top of this page, you will find an essential table that highlights the importance of wearing a good quality face mask. When exercising outside, it is unavoidable to wear a face mask to improve air quality. However, it is advised to avoid exercising outside until the air quality improves. To prevent more polluted air from entering your home, make sure to close all windows and doors and recirculate the air if you have that option. This advice is given to ensure that you stay indoors and avoid drawing in more dirty air from outside, especially when the pollution level is high.
What are the detrimental effects of air pollution in Bend on our health?
Air pollution is a mixture of many different particles and gases, including pollen, industrial emissions, road dust, smoke, and vehicle exhaust, which are man-made sources.
Long and short-term exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems. Air pollution can cause coughing and wheezing or trigger asthma attacks, making it harder to breathe for people with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, also known as COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma.
Among the various constituents of smog that can pose a threat to health, particulate matter emerges as the most perilous fraction. The components encompass particles, volatile liquid substances, and an assortment of gases. These elements collectively contribute to the hazardous nature of smog.
The origins of these particles originate from a diverse array and can be chemically extremely intricate. Urban detectors gauge PM10 and PM2.5 (5-10 times tinier than the width of a strand of hair). In general, the more detrimental a particle is, the tinier it becomes: even more minuscule particulate matter, the ones with a nanometer-scale size expelled by the gases produced through combustion, provoke even greater apprehensions.
Recently, there has been growing evidence linking exposure to air pollution, specifically particulate matter and general pollution, to various diseases including diabetes, mental health effects, low birth weight, and other associated health issues. It has been found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate beyond the lungs and into the bloodstream, contributes to the development of heart disease, inflammation, asthma attacks, and respiratory diseases.
Exposure to air pollution can encourage the development of even premature death and acute events, especially if it occurs in the heart and blood vessels. Research shows that the smallest nanoparticles found in diesel engine exhaust fumes can accumulate in different organs, travel throughout the body, and then be inhaled from the lungs into the bloodstream. These fine particles can damage the cardiovascular system in many ways, including putting stress on the heart, narrowing arteries, promoting blood clotting, and causing inflammation. Air pollution is most closely linked to premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it has also been linked to harmful effects during pregnancy, as well as diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, dementia, strokes, and many other heart-related conditions. However, most people are aware that air pollution causes lung problems.
When it comes to the issue of air pollution, there is no safe threshold. The guidelines provided by the World Health Organization suggest that even levels below the recommended standards can lead to various health issues in the short and long term. These health issues include a wide range of diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing lung diseases and cancer. In fact, approximately 80 percent of cases of premature death caused by air pollution can be attributed to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, making them the leading cause of premature death associated with air contamination.
One of the main sources of industrial emissions is sulfur dioxide, which is produced when plants burn oil and coal. Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that easily reacts with other substances, forming dangerous compounds such as sulfates, sulfurous acid, and sulfuric acid. These compounds are extremely harmful to health, and even more so when combined with other substances.
Roads are highly congested in areas with significant concentrations, especially in close proximity to the ground, where the air tends to be denser. In enclosed environments such as gas stoves or near heavily congested roads, the substance known as nitrogen dioxide, which is derived from combustion processes of heavy industries, buses, trucks, and cars, is a part of the nitrogen oxide group. Nitrogen oxide combines with nitric acid to form another substance called nitrous acid.
If the lower part of the stratosphere contains ozone, it serves as a protective effect by absorbing and retaining the solar energy of a specific wavelength, which is considered the most harmful to health.
Conversely, surface-level ozone is detrimental and is generated through chemical reactions accelerated by sunlight.
What is the situation regarding wildfires in Bend, Oregon?
It is currently very difficult for firefighters to effectively tackle the blaze, as the strong winds are not helping the situation and causing the flames to spread. The previous situation, similar to what happened in previous years when the tension grid was too low, authorities want to prevent millions of people from being plunged into darkness at all costs. The Fire Bootleg also threatens the state’s power grid. The Fire Bootleg, which recently roared through wood and brush in southern Oregon, destroying dozens of homes and displacing about 2,000 residents, is one of the largest wildfires in the United States.
The fire Bootleg, which is currently burning 167,432 hectares, is responsible for the smoke that is blowing eastwards and affecting Boston, New York, and Chicago. California is already experiencing the consequences of this fire, as it is located near the border.
What are the sources of this air pollution in Bend?
The presence of pollutant substances or contaminants in the air, which is defined as air pollution by the Environmental Protection Agency, can interfere with the health and welfare of humans and cause harmful effects on the environment.
Cars and trucks are the primary contributors to air pollution in Oregon, accounting for approximately 90 percent of the pollution generated by everyday activities.
Ensuring the air is clean and safeguarding our well-being necessitate a heightened commitment from all individuals, given that emissions originating from these origins amass in the atmosphere. The operation of bigger, less efficient automobiles also plays a role, alongside activities such as painting, employing hazardous domestic goods, mowing lawns, and utilizing wood-burning devices. Furthermore, the increased number of vehicles on the streets and the expanding population in Oregon add to the practices that give rise to air pollution.
Diesel engines emit large amounts of toxic air pollutants and nitrogen oxides in the form of particulate matter, despite the operational advantages of diesel. Diesel engines are also widely used in sectors such as locomotive and marine, agricultural, and construction, as well as in non-road equipment. Approximately 80 percent of all freight in the United States is transported using diesel engines. Diesel engines provide durability, power, and fuel economy. Diesel is the dominant fuel used by the commercial transportation sector.
Individuals suffering from long-term health conditions, specifically those with chronic health issues, are associated with numerous severe medical complications. According to a report released by the American Lung Association, the Bend-Redmond-Prineville region had the 26th highest number of days with hazardous levels of particle pollution from 2014 to 2016. Particle pollution encompasses various sources, such as emissions from vehicles and smoke resulting from forest fires or the use of wood-burning stoves. The report measured air pollution rates in counties across the United States, including the largest metropolitan statistical areas.
According to the report, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma are at the highest risk, especially the elderly and children. The report also states that two days with red level and six days with orange level, which are considered unhealthy for everyone, are particularly sensitive for the mentioned groups in the Prineville Bend-Redmond-The area.
Is the level of pollution in Bend consistent throughout the year?
Overall, the beginning of the year brought about fresh air. However, June boasted the highest air quality, with a remarkably low reading of only 2.3 µg/m³. For the remaining nine months, Bend successfully met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of 10 µg/m³ or less. In August, the air quality was considered “Good” with a reading of 10.6 µg/m³, falling within the range of 10 to 12 µg/m³. Any measurement between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³ can be categorized as such. The subsequent month of October exhibited air quality falling in the “Moderate” range, with a reading of 12.1 µg/m³. With a value of this magnitude, it is classified as “Unhealthy”, requiring figures between 55.5 and 150.4 µg/m³ to qualify as such. Upon reviewing IQAir.Com’s data for 2020, it is evident that September was the worst month for air quality, with a recorded figure of 99.4 µg/m³.
Since the beginning of recorded history, Bend has experienced its worst average annual air quality. This has been attributed to several factors, including the closure of non-essential production units and small factories, which has led to an improvement in air quality. Additionally, the reduction in vehicle emissions within the city center has had a significant impact on reducing pollution. Many drivers were allowed to work from home, resulting in fewer vehicles on the road. Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals were furloughed and did not need to commute to the office, resulting in a temporary decrease in the number of vehicles in use. It is quite surprising that in 2020, the air quality worsened with a reading of 13.6 m³/µg. In comparison, the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 10.0 µg/m³ has been consistently maintained since 2017, with readings of 8.4 µg/m³ and 5.8 µg/m³ respectively.
Can anything be done to improve air quality in Bend?
The Clean Fuels Program, implemented in the marketplace, aims to foster demand for more environmentally friendly fuels by offering incentives and setting requirements. The program encourages the utilization of cleaner fuels, such as electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and renewable natural gas. By reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation, this program plays a crucial role in addressing climate change, improving air quality, and safeguarding public health. The program estimates the total greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout the entire lifecycle of fuels utilized in Oregon, encompassing production, processing, transportation, and consumption. Clean fuels exhibit lower carbon emissions in comparison to gasoline and standard diesel. Launched in 2016, the Clean Fuels Program is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Plans are in place to retrofit certain old school buses with particulate filters and other advanced technology, or alternatively, replace them with buses that are powered by clean fuel.
Throughout the years, manufacturers are required to accommodate the growing demand for ZEV (Zero-Emission Vehicles) sales in the light-duty (passenger cars) vehicle requirement. Oregon is dedicated to electrifying every sector of transportation as a way to reduce the impacts of climate change and safeguard the well-being of all Oregon residents.