Monday, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) forecast Tuesday’s air quality to be in the Code Orange range. Fine particles from the wildfires in Canada are contributing to the hazy skies and the reason for the alert.
The fine particles in the air make it unhealthy to breathe for anyone with heart or lung disease, older adults, outdoor workers, children, teenagers and minority populations. COG advises persons in a sensitive population to take more breaks when outdoors, and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Asthmatics should keep quick relief medicine handy.
During a Code Orange air quality episode, COG advises residents to fill gas tanks after sunset, to avoid mowing lawns unless using an electric mower, and to use gas or electric grills rather than charcoal.
Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website.
Tomorrow, July 18, COG forecasts a Code Orange air day, unhealthy air for sensitive groups, for the D.C. region. The unhealthy air is due to the Canadian wildfire smoke. Stay air quality aware: https://t.co/vujQarGehK pic.twitter.com/MDodOtMsaZ
— COG (@MWCOG) July 17, 2023
Current air quality levels have reached Code Orange, unhealthy air for sensitive groups, due to Canada wildfire smoke. Stay air quality aware: https://t.co/vujQarGehK pic.twitter.com/MtIBknaIk6
— COG (@MWCOG) July 17, 2023
