On the Tracking Network, both monitored and modeled datasets are available to track possible exposures to ozone and PM2.5, evaluate health impact, conduct analytical studies linking health effects and the environment, and guide public health actions. Ozone and PM2.5 are reported in parts per billion (ppb). “This makes this important and sizable population of our workforce potentially more vulnerable to the adverse effects of combined wildfire smoke and COVID-19 risks,” Sidelinger said. Inspections may be … These limits, called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), help protect public health and the environment. Also, the proper placement of office furniture is necessary to ensure that air … Oregon’s index is based on three pollutants regulated by the federal Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution and nitrogen dioxide. Workers who are worried or believe their concerns are not being addressed may Oregon OSHA offers consultation services, technical expertise, and other resources to employers who may need help in light of the potential workplace hazards brought on by wildfire season. Oregon OSHA also offers other resources to help employers and workers assess and address hazards, including air quality issues. The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act (the law that created OSHA) … PM2.5 - Days Above Regulatory Standard (35 ppb): These data help summarize short-term trends in particle pollution concentrations. Though no enforceable regulation exists, OSHA recommends indoor temperatures of 68–76° F and humidities from 20% to 60%. “We believe compliance with this rule will help reduce the serious threat to workers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood said. This. The outdoor air quality measures are calculated from data collected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. For more information, visit these websites: Find us on Facebook Air Quality Standards. Employers are responsible for providing safe and healthy workplaces, and recognizing and addressing hazards to workers—including unsafe air quality that is expected to continue through the weekend, say officials at Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Oregon OSHA compliance is responsible for the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards. Do what you can to help reduce air pollution: Ozone - Days Above Regulatory Standard (70 ppb): The number of days in which the daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentration exceeds a standard provides an indication of short-term spikes in ozone concentrations. Closing outdoor work activity when air quality in an area becomes “unhealthy,” or reaches an Air Quality Index of at least 151. What Are the Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality? Disposing of food and garbage properly will prevent contamination and food-borne odors. Oregon Smoke Information Blog Get current local air quality information from Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and learn if there is a health advisory in your community. In response, the European Union has developed an extensive body of legislation which establishes health based standards and objectives for a number of pollutants present in the air. Exposure to ground-level ozone can aggravate asthma and cause respiratory symptoms like coughing and lung inflammation. “During this incredibly challenging and evolving emergency, we are encouraging employers—particularly those with outdoor operations—to take all reasonable and necessary precautions and steps to ensure the safety of their employees,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Oregon has 11 ozone monitoring sites. Employers and workers are encouraged to check a building’s ventilation system to make sure it has received routine maintenance, such as filter changes. Repeated exposure may cause permanent damage to lung tissue. Find workplace safety and health videos here. Oregon’s air quality is so far beyond ‘hazardous’ that no one knows what it means for health. 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