Wildfires in Canada are to blame for poor air quality across NoVA and the entire DC area, prompting the Metropolitan Council of Governments to issue a Code Purple alert for very unhealthy air quality on Wednesday.
Just before 11 a.m., the air quality changed from a Code Red, unhealthy, to a Code Purple for very unhealthy.
Air quality is rated on a scale of zero to over 300. At 204, the current reading just before 11 a.m., the region’s air quality is a Code Purple.
When it gets that high, COG recommends: “Everyone may experience more serious health effects and should avoid outdoor activities, especially individuals with heart and breathing ailments, children, and older adults.”
Specifically, it’s recommended that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens:
- Avoid physical activities outdoors.
Under a Code Purple, others should:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
A Code Red is forecast for Thursday. Under a Code Red, COG said anyone with heart or lung conditions, senior cities, children, and teens should do the following:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Others should take these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten your outdoor time.
Feature image courtesy of Metropolitan Council of Governments
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