Update: “Air Quality Continues to Improve in DC, Air Quality Index Now Downgraded to Code Yellow”

photo by angela n.

UPDATE: “Air Quality Continues to Improve in DC, Air Quality Index Now Downgraded to Code Yellow

This morning, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) announced that the air quality in Washington, DC continues to improve, and the Air Quality Index has now been downgraded to a “Code Yellow.” Smoke continues to linger over the region, but concentrations have dropped below alert levels for sensitive groups. Particularly sensitive groups may continue to experience adverse effects. Those who display symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath should make outdoor activities shorter or less intense.”

From the Mayor’s Office:

“District Will Resume Non-Essential Services That Were Suspended During Code Purple Alert

This morning, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) issued a “Code Orange” air quality alert for Washington, DC for Friday, June 9. During a Code Orange alert the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

In response, Mayor Muriel Bowser and District officials from DOEE, the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Health (DC Health) are urging residents and visitors to follow precautions related to the “Code Orange” air quality alert.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has caused unhealthy air quality in the Washington, DC area and the northeast United States throughout the week, although it is anticipated to improve by Saturday. DC Health and DOEE recommend that residents pay attention to local air quality reports and the U.S. Air Quality Index at airnow.gov.

When the Air Quality Index is between 100 and 150 in your area (Code Orange), follow these tips:

1. Older adults (over age 65), children, pregnant women, and those who have heart disease, asthma, or other chronic lung disease should limit time outdoors. Consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask for additional protection when outdoors.

2. If you have asthma, chronic lung disease, or heart disease, follow your doctor’s advice about medicines. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

When the Air Quality Index is above 150 in your area (Code Red), District residents are recommended to:

1. Avoid exercising and other strenuous activities outdoors.

2. Older adults (over age 65), children, pregnant women, and those who have heart disease, asthma, or other chronic lung disease, should stay indoors as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.

3. Use an air filter. Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement and where to place the device.

4. If you are vulnerable because of age or medical conditions and must be outdoors, consider wearing a tight-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. Paper “comfort” or “dust” masks commonly found at hardware stores or ordinary cloth masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. However, a tight-fitting N95 mask or KN95 mask will offer some protection. See the Respirator Fact Sheet provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

5. If you have asthma, chronic lung disease, or heart disease, follow your doctor’s advice about medicines. Call your doctor if you have difficulty breathing or worsening symptoms.

When the Air Quality Index is above 200 in your area (Code Purple or Maroon), all groups should stay indoors as much as possible. Those who must work outside should reduce work outside if possible, and if not, wear a tight-fitting N95 or KN95 mask.”