Air quality matters served as the topic of discussion during a Tuesday, Feb. 5, meeting of the Town of Lakeview Air Quality Committee.
Present for the meeting was Oregon DEQ Eastern Region air quality specialist Larry Calkins, who noted that the Environmental Protection Agency is mandated by the federal Clean Air Act to set national ambient air quality standards. Lakeview’s air quality issues pertain to fine particulate matter that measures 2.5 microns (known as PM 2.5) in diameter, largely sourced from wood-burning stove smoke, Calkins said.
Calkins noted that the PM 2.5 emissions are a severe health issue due to its tendency to embed itself into human lungs. This can lead to a variety of health-related issues, or exacerbate issues with those who already have sensitive respiratory systems.
Asthma, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung functions are a few samples of potential health issues resulting from prolonged exposure to poor air quality that exceeds PM 2.5 standards.
Elsewhere in the state, PM 2.5 is sourced from a variety of sources, including automobiles, construction projects and industrial smoke, Calkins said.