MARYLAND (WBFF) — Maryland is under a Code Red air quality condition as smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and the northern United States moves into the region, with very unhealthy air forecast for Western Maryland.
Gov. Wes Moore announced the Code Red condition and urged residents to take precautions.
“For the health and safety of all Marylanders during the State’s Code Red Air Quality Condition, we are advising extra precaution, as we work in close coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Health to monitor the air quality both in Maryland and across the region,” Moore said. “At-risk populations should stay indoors and keep your windows closed to keep yourself safe. Please make sure to check in on your family, neighbors and loved ones.”
The Maryland Department of the Environment said Marylanders should expect unhealthy air quality conditions Thursday through much of Saturday as smoke and fine particles continue to spread over the region. Air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels for everyone on Friday, with Western Maryland expected to reach Code Purple, described as very unhealthy, before conditions slowly improve Saturday. Temperatures are also expected to be in the 90s in much of the state.
State officials said smoke is being carried into Maryland by prevailing northwesterly winds. They warned that at Code Red and Code Purple levels, air pollution can affect everyone, not just sensitive groups, and that wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles.
Health officials advised people to consider limiting time outdoors and to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves. Those most at risk include people with asthma, COPD or heart disease; older adults; pregnant women; young children; and anyone who works or exercises outdoors. People sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older adults, people with respiratory problems such as asthma, or people with heart conditions, were advised to avoid outdoor exertion altogether.
For those who must be outside, officials recommended keeping time outdoors brief, taking it easy and considering a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask to reduce smoke particle exposure, while noting masks can make it harder to breathe and hot conditions can worsen that. Officials said people should watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, unusual fatigue or difficulty breathing, and seek medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve. They said to call 911 for difficulty breathing or chest pain.
The Maryland Department of Health is advising residents to follow the Air Quality Action Guide, including limiting strenuous outdoor activity during red or purple alerts.
The department also advised people with lung or heart disease to stay indoors, said air conditioning can improve indoor air quality, and urged residents to check on neighbors and relatives with chronic health problems.
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