Wild Fire Smoke Causes Unhealthy Air Quality In DMV
This is not a photo of the wildfires in Canada. However, we have posted this photo to show the effects of a wildfire, the thickness of the smoke.
Over a two-day period, the air quality in D.C. and Maryland has increasingly gotten worse due to wildfire smoke. Today, environmental protection agencies have issued a Code Red Alert. The region’s air quality is negatively affected by wildfires in New Jersey, and Nova Scotia, Canada, according to various news outlets. Wildfire smoke is also affecting New York and South Carolina. In DC and Maryland, it is believed that the smog should thin out by Saturday. DC has canceled all outside activities for its school system. Prince George’s County has made no such announcement.
The pollution is detrimental to everyone, especially those residents with asthma, the elderly, and those impacted by Long Covid, which causes ongoing respiratory issues. Currently, residents are strongly encouraged to stay indoors. Currently, residents are strongly encouraged to stay indoors. However, staying inside will be hard for the unhoused and some working-class residents. Working class people often have jobs that require them to stay outside for long periods of time. Furthermore, there is limited homeless shelters for unhoused people. This is especially true for Prince George’s County. If you’re able to get a mask, public health officials advise you to wear them. From The Washington Post:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a “particulate respirator” tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health when trying to protect yourself from wildfire smoke or ash. It should have the words “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it and have two straps to go above and the below your ears — otherwise it will not seal well enough to protect your lungs.
A good fit is important, the agency says, which may not be possible with facial hair. Replace your mask if it becomes more difficult to breathe through, or gets dirty.
The EPA adds that respirator masks may make it harder to breathe, and those with heart or lung problems should speak to their doctor. Caution is also needed if it’s hot or you’re physically active.
Respirator masks are not available in children’s sizes, according to the EPA. For those who can’t use the masks, other ways of reducing exposure include remaining indoors if possible, reducing physical activity and using HEPA-filtered air cleaners inside the home.
On June 5, it was reported, the region’s air quality was at Code Orange. Still, even at that point, local meteorologists were warning residents to limit their time outside and to wear masks.
Air quality in Prince George’s County and DC, though it has improved, has been poor for some time. As far back as 2019, the American Lung Association issued Prince George’s County a failing grade in regard to ozone pollution, often referred to as smog. This is different from wildfire pollution, which is referred to as particle pollution. More recently, on April 24, The Washington Informer reported a story sharing the associations’ latest findings.
Air quality in the D.C. region has continued to improve over the last year, but parts of the metro area remain highly polluted by ground-level ozone smog, according to the American Lung Association’s “2023 State of the Air Report,” released on April 19.
Prince George’s County and the District both received ‘F’ grades for ozone pollution, which can cause respiratory issues and trigger asthma attacks. Recent research has also linked long-term exposure to increased risks for cardiovascular issues and metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia and diabetes. Three other Maryland counties — Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, and Harford — also received failing grades for ozone. The Washington region as a whole ranked 26th worst out of 227 metro areas, dropping four places down from last year’s report.
As of now, it is not clear what long-term effect lingering wildfire smoke will have on the region.
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