The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory Monday for the Portland and Salem areas.
DEQ officials say smog levels this afternoon will be unhealthy for sensitive groups. That includes children, people over 65, people with heart or respiratory issues, and those who are pregnant. People in those groups should limit outdoor activity throughout the day.
Smog can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs, and it can contribute to breathing problems. Smog levels increase during periods of high temperatures and low winds.
The DEQ is asking people to limit their driving, and postpone projects that include paints and other aerosols. Multnomah County is also asking people not to burn wood today. The air quality advisory will end tonight.