Air quality alert downgraded in Baltimore, but health risks from smoke remain
BALTIMORE -- Smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed parts of the U.S. and had Marylanders wearing masks outside again Thursday amid a Code Red air quality alert.
Though the air quality improved Friday, not everyone is safe.
What a difference we are seeing this morning with that haze spurred by the Canadian wildfires. Take a look at the air quality change in Towson today compared to yesterday. But we are not fully in the clear. I’ll explain live on @wjz all morning long pic.twitter.com/kq1KnNPmKb
— Alexus Davila (@AlexusVDavila) June 9, 2023
Pollution from the far-off wildfires isn't as prominent, but the downgraded Code Orange air quality alert means some sensitive groups should take precautions outside.
A Code Orange means that air pollution concentrations within the regions may become unhealthy for sensitive groups– which include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung disease and the elderly.
The National Weather Service recommends those groups to avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors during the alert.
Johns Hopkins will hold a briefing Friday with a doctor and two air quality experts to talk about the ongoing health concerns and how to be better prepared in the future.