As most of you are aware, widespread wildfires in Canada have impacted our air quality once again. For today, our current forecasted air quality index (AQI) is Unhealthy. If you are in a sensitive group please be aware of the risks associated with this air quality condition:
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – takeany of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Please seek medical attention of you experiencing the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Throat irritation
- Pain, burning, or discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath
- Chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
More detailed information can be found at www.airnow.gov and Ambient Air Monitoring Program (maryland.gov)