Thousands of people in Oregon have been urged to stay indoors amid concerns over high air pollution levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) AirNow map, which provides a real-time snapshot of air quality, showed that air pollution levels around Sweet Home, north-east of Eugene, are in the unhealthy range on Friday morning .

The warnings mean that the risk of negative health effects from air pollution are increased for the general public, as well as vulnerable populations.

Why It Matters

Air pollution poses significant health risks to the general public, in particular for the young, seniors and vulnerable populations such as those with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The EPA warns that exposure to ambient ozone is a "risk factor for triggering acute an

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