Air Pollutant Monitoring DEQ's Laboratory Division measures air quality at monitoring and sampling sites throughout the state. Laboratory activities include outdoor air sampling, measuring air pollutant concentrations and distribution, analysis of samples, quality assurance, developing and evaluating analytical methods, and providing technical assistance to industry, the public and government agencies. The laboratory is located on the Portland State University campus. Woodsmoke, wind-blown dust and industrial emissions are the biggest sources of PM10. Commonly referred to as smog, ozone is formed near the ground by chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight and temperatures over 90 degrees.
Ozone lowers resistance to colds and pneumonia and causes irritation to the nose, throat and lungs.
Emissions from motor vehicles, gas-powered garden equipment and motor boats, gasoline and paint vapors, aerosol products and industry all significantly contribute to the formation of ozone. This deadly, colorless, odorless gas can cause dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, headaches, slowed reflexes and drowsiness. Cars and trucks produce up to 90 percent of urban carbon monoxide emissions. Carbon monoxide levels are higher in the winter, especially during air stagnation periods. Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant and known human carcinogen.