Baltimore and most of Maryland are under a Code Purple air quality alert Friday, as smoke from several <a href="https://healthylife7.com/canadian-wildfire-smoke-effects-can-last-umb-says/” title=”Canadian wildfire smoke effects can last, UMB says”>Canadian wildfires creates hazy and unhealthy conditions.
A Code Purple alert means the air quality is considered “very unhealthy” for all groups. People are urged to avoid spending time outside, especially any strenuous activity.
The air quality is so bad, Friday has been deemed a First Alert Weather Day. Conditions continue to worsen throughout the day, as an even thicker plume of smoke settles into the state.
Why is the air quality so bad today?
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has been creeping its way into the Mid-Atlantic over the past few days.
The smoke brings with it fine particulate matter that can make it difficult to breathe, especially when combined with pollution typically seen during extreme summer heat.
While Friday is the smokiest day we’ve seen this week, it isn’t as hot. Temperatures were expected to peak in the lower 90s, and the humidity was a bit lower.
Saturday will be another Friday Alert Weather Day, with severe storms expected in the afternoon and evening. These storms should help eliminate the high concentrations of smoke.
What is a “Code Purple” alert?
Thursday was considered a “Code Orange” alert, specifically impacting those with underlying health conditions, like asthma or COPD, as well as children and the elderly. Now, “Code Purple” applies to everyone.
Poor air quality can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue, and it can aggravate existing chronic issues.
“If you are highly vulnerable, folks like you just mentioned, then making sure you have portable air cleaners with HEPA filters that tend to do a pretty good job at cleaning the air,” said University of Maryland Professor Amir Sapkota
The Maryland Department of the Environment recommends setting air conditioners in homes or cars to recirculate, and consider wearing a KN95 mask if you must go out.
“At-risk populations should stay indoors and keep your windows closed to keep yourself safe,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement Friday morning. “Please make sure to check in on your family, neighbors and loved ones.”
“Poor air quality poses a real threat to your health, so please, take this seriously,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Stay inside, follow the Health Department’s guidance, and make sure your friends and loved ones do the same. Stay safe, Baltimore.”
Baltimore officials said city employees were moved to indoor assignments starting at noon Friday, and those who must work outside were provided with face masks. Trash and recycling pickup was suspended for the rest of the day. All outdoor activities with Parks department were also canceled, and public pools were closed.
Officials in Annapolis said they were activating cooling centers and closing the Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool at Truxtun Park for the day
Towson officials also postponed their community movie night because of the smoke. The event has been rescheduled for Aug. 1
“You can definitely smell the smoke”
Sections of Baltimore, like Patterson Park, were relatively quiet Friday, as outdoor city operations were closed
“Woke up with a sore throat,” Canton neighbor Bobby Brackett said
“It’s smoggy,” said Canton neighbor Dammion Toliver, adding, “You can definitely smell the smoke.”
Residents were navigating the smoky conditions, which didn’t stop them from going outside. Toliver spent the early afternoon exercising
“Walking that hill over there, do pushups in between,” he said
Brackett said he had no choice but to work outside for his business, caring for pets
“I’m outside with dogs for most of the day,” he said. “So for their sake and my sake, I’m kind of in and out.”
He said his time outside Friday was brief
“Five to 10 minutes,” Brackett said. “Really let them do their business and get them a little exercise.”
