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Wildfires in Oregon and on the West Coast can result in smoke and poor air quality in the Willamette Valley. Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index — or AQI — which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks.
To monitor local air quality at the Corvallis campus, Oregon State University has installed three AQI monitoring stations at Bates Hall, Sports Performance Center, and Tebeau Hall. Additional off-campus AQI monitoring stations are located at Tykeson Hall - Cascades Campus and at the Gladys Valley Marine Sciences Building – Newport.
Additional monitoring stations operated by governmental agencies are also located throughout the state as indicated on the OpenMap below. You can scroll through the OpenMap and click on the circle (denoting each air monitoring station) for the geographical area you are interested in.
Building ventilation is most often controlled through the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) by adding fresh, outside air. OSU's approach to ventilation and filtration is to add as much outside air as possible, but ventilation depends on the building's HVAC system.
OSU’s buildings can be divided into three types:
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The Air Quality Index helps people know when safety precautions are necessary. When air quality is in the green or yellow zones, few health effects are expected. When the AQI reaches the orange level, the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children. At red or higher, the air is unhealthy for everyone, even those with no prior health concerns. The likelihood of health problems is increased in the purple or maroon zone; the highest precautions are essential.
Those with chronic health conditions should closely watch their symptoms. Those with lung disease like asthma and COPD should especially monitor shortness of breath. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical care if symptoms worsen.
Related to smoke events, a list of requirements for OSU employees contained within the Oregon OSHA permanent rule can be found here: Rules to Address Employee Exposure to Wildfire Smoke.
Summary of Requirements: Employees - Supervisors
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