We're still learning about how wildfire smoke can harm health - part of this is understanding exactly what we're breathing in. This article highlights the issue, with a focus on the intense smoke that Eugene and Springfield experienced over the summer: ow.ly/bq6Z50ZPlP3
Children are not the only group who have a higher risk of getting sick from wildfire smoke. Others include:
1. People with chronic health conditions: ow.ly/ZoJ250Zs3FN
2. People who are pregnant: ow.ly/8IMb50Zs3FQ
3. Responders: ow.ly/216l50Zs3FR
Wildfire smoke can harm anyone’s health, but children are especially sensitive. This year, OHA published updated guidance for youth outdoor activities during times when the air quality is poor. See OHA’s updated recommendations: ow.ly/3Ukn50Zs3cv
It's Heat Safety Week! Check out this new toolkit from the Alliance for Heat Resilience and Health: ow.ly/bK6a50Z2WLq. #HeatSafety
During allergy season, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) recommends checking pollen counts daily and taking steps to block pollen from getting into your home. AAFA’s Healthier Home Checklist gives a room-by-room guide to improving indoor air: ow.ly/WSl250YKCKV.
Want to know the pollen and mold counts for where you live? The National Allergy Bureau has a map of stations that monitor these levels across the country: pollen.aaaai.org/#/. You can sign up for email alerts that will tell you when levels change.
Do your seasonal allergies seem worse than normal? It’s likely they are. A warmer, earlier spring means that plants have more time to grow and release pollen. Check out Climate Central’s resources on this topic: ow.ly/OT8I50YKCtN
You may not win an award for being the most romantic, but a radon test is definitely a gift that shows love. It’s an important step in protecting your family’s health from the dangers of radon and lung cancer.
Help raise awareness about radon! Oregon Radon Awareness Program has information about radon testing and prevention.
Website: healthoregon.org/radon
Did you test your home and find high levels of radon? Next step, is to install a radon reduction system to protect your household from further exposure. The Oregon Radon Awareness Program has a list of certified radon professionals to contact.
Website: ow.ly/1bsS50XGxsI
Oregon Radon Awareness Program uses radon data to inform public health planning, leading to healthier communities! Visit the Oregon Radon Awareness website to explore the Radon ZIP code map learn what radon risk your ZIP code is. Radon Risk Map ow.ly/wnme50XGxn8
Hear from Clare Lewis, a nonsmoker, stage 4 lung cancer survivor and Oregonian about discovering she had high radon levels in her home.
Read the full story: ow.ly/pvuV50XGxiK.
Testing your home for radon, is the only way to find out if you have a radon. Test kits are easy to use and can be found online or at your local home improvement store for $25-30.
The major source of radon in a home is the ground beneath it.
Radon gas can become trapped inside a home and rise to high levels. Any home can have a radon problem: new, old, well-insulated, drafty, with or without a basement.
Radon and smoking are a dangerous combination. If you live in a home with high radon levels, smoking raises your risk of lung cancer by 10 times! Find out how you can protect your health: ow.ly/hQ8M50XGwYX
Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Testing is easy and can do it yourself. A simple home test can provide the radon level in your home. For more information where to find radon test kits and how to test your home, visit:
Curious how winter air quality is impacting health outcomes across the state? You can see near real-time updates on our Air Quality and Health Outcomes Dashboard throughout this season and beyond! Explore the dashboard here: ow.ly/W3CM50XxREE
Let it snow! When it comes to avoiding hypothermia, snow tends to be safer than freezing rain. While both can be dangerous, freezing rain is more likely to soak through clothes. Learn more about types of winter weather here: nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrw….
Winter is coming – are you ready? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has resources on winter weather.
The basics: nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrw…
Frequently asked questions: nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrw….
Here are 5 things to know about winter weather forecasts:

ALT A graphic with a snowy scene titled: 5 things to know about winter weather forecasts. 1. Snow or ice totals can vary greatly over short distances. 2. Winter forecasts can change frequently. 3. Focus more on the winter storm's impacts. 4. Know your winter weather terminology. 5. Rely on a dependable source for weather info















