With air quality warnings in NC, what should I do or not do to stay safe? Experts answer
An air pollution warning is in effect for the Triangle today, as wildfires in Canada send smoke and dangerous debris into North Carolina skies.
The N.C. Division of Air Quality issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for about two-thirds of North Carolina, including all Triangle counties (Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Chatham).
Another round of Canadian wildfire smoke is to blame, intruding North Carolina skies once more. Code Reds Alerts were issued across the state last month, when air quality conditions were even more dangerous than they are now for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Here’s what DEQ is forecasting across the state, according to the latest available data 3 p.m. Monday.
- Tuesday, July 18: Code Orange in most counties west of Interstate 95. Code Yellow east of the interstate to the coast. Air quality from smoke is expected to be worse in the morning.
- Conditions are expected to improve Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, “below the Code Orange threshold.”
The News & Observer compiled answers to frequently asked questions as hazy air continues. Here’s what to know.
What does Code Red, Orange, Yellow mean?
Air quality forecasts are often reported using the AQI, which stands for Air Quality Index. There are six of these, and they’re represented by color. The best is green, and the worst is maroon.
Here’s what all six of them mean:
- Code Green: Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Code Yellow: Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Code Orange: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
- Code Red: Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
- Code Purple: Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
- Code Maroon: Health warning of emergency conditions. Everyone is more likely to be affected.
Source: airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/education
Can I go outside when air quality is bad?
Yes, but people who are especially vulnerable to smoke inhalation should take certain precautions.
“The simplest advice in general today is just to take it easy, but there are some people who appear to be at higher risk for adverse health outcomes today,” said Dr. David Peden, a pediatric allergist and immunologist with UNC Health who researches air pollution.
Who is at risk for smoke inhalation?
If you are in one of the following categories, you should avoid time outside (or take precautions while outside, if it’s necessary to go out) during the severe air quality warning period:
- Those 65 or older
- Infants and young children
- Those who are asthmatic or have other respiratory illness
- Those who have diabetes or have other cardiovascular diseases
Wear masks: “The N95 has a higher level of filtration and higher level of protection. That’s particularly important for very young or very old people, for people with asthma who are already sensitive to smoke and things in the air,” said Duke Health pulmonologist Dr. Aaron Vose.
Take medication: “If you have any chronic illness and are advised to use medications to keep that illness under control, taking that medication is especially important now,” Peden said.
Should I wear a mask outside?
Yes. Everybody should wear masks to stay as safe as possible, though it’s especially advised for those at increased risk during severe air pollution warnings (see above).
N95 masks are the best at filtering smoke and other air particles.
“But any mask is good. Cloth is fine, such as the ones we wore at the beginning of the pandemic. Other surgical masks work as well,” Duke’s Vose said.
Can I walk my dog, let my dog outside?
Yes, but with exceptions. You can let your dog or other pet outside to do their business, but avoid exercise outside.
“Today is not the time to take a dog on a hike or on a long neighborhood walk. A short walk to use the bathroom or check the mailbox is fine,” Duke’s Vose said.
Does air conditioning filter my indoor air?
Yes. Air conditioning uses air filters, which are designed to keep particulate matter out of your home.
“Close your windows and run your AC inside your home. Air filters are designed to filter out air particles, and running the AC will force quality air to circulate inside your home,” Duke’s Vose said.
This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 12:17 PM.
