Air quality alert issued for DC area after July 4 fireworks

An air quality alert has been issued for the D.C. area by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and District Department of Environment for Sunday.

Officials issued a Code Purple for the district, meaning that the air quality is very unhealthy for all residents.

According to the online air quality information system Air Now, everyone needs to cut back on outdoor activities when under a Code Purple. Those who have heart or lung disease or who are older adults, children and teens are more at risk.

As of Sunday morning, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Ryan Miller says D.C. and parts of Prince George’s County are under a Code Red.

“We have unhealthy air quality, Code Red, right now. The forecast for this afternoon’s air quality is Code Purple, very unhealthy,” Miller said.

A Code Red means the air quality is unhealthy and certain groups of people could experience some serious health effects and the general public could experience some health effects.

Some areas of Maryland and Northern Virginia are under a Code Orange. A Code Orange means the air is quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups and should limit time outdoors.

Air Now predicts that D.C.’s air quality should go down to Code Yellow, a moderate level, by Monday. The air quality would be acceptable but could be a risk for some people who are sensitive to air pollution.

See here for updates on air quality alerts for your area.

Fourth of July Jul 3

‘I'm going to Maryland': 12,000% increase in fireworks could sink DC air quality

Fourth of July Jul 3

What to know about fireworks and the risk of wildfires this July 4

A 12,000% increase in fireworks 

The air quality alert comes a day after the massive Fourth of July fireworks display in D.C. in addition to other fireworks across the DMV.

Saturday’s Fourth of July fireworks launched 850,000 smoky, sooty fireworks compared to 7,000 on July 4 of last year, according to the National Park Service.

“What will be in the atmosphere will be mostly fine, particulate matter. That is particles of the right size to go past your nose, deep into your lungs, where they are related to cardiovascular problems, respiratory problems,” said professor Russell Dickerson of the University of Maryland.

Some residents said they were going to Maryland to avoid the fireworks in D.C.

from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/HC8UmjW