Excessive heat is expected to hit Maryland soon, coinciding with wildfire smoke drifting into the Mid-Atlantic. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is degrading air quality, and experts warn that conditions could deteriorate further through Friday. They urge residents to take health precautions during this period. Staying indoors is the primary recommendation, even in cars, where using the air recirculation feature can help keep smoky air out.
Dave Sakin, who owns Value Remodeling, a business specializing in deck, roofing, and siding renovations, mentioned he takes precautions to safeguard his team during tough weather. “We pay close attention to weather updates because we want to be informed,” Sakin shared. “If it seems too warm, I advise them, ‘If you’re not feeling well, just leave.’” This applies to hazardous air quality as well.
Sakin added, “Nothing we do is an emergency, so it’s better for them not to face any emergencies themselves.”
On Thursday, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Code Orange air quality alert for much of the state, indicating undesired conditions particularly for sensitive groups like children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory issues. Officials are especially concerned about a potential Code Red alert for Friday, which would be unhealthy for everyone.
“Plan your day thoughtfully to minimize exposure, and if you must be outside, try to reduce the amount of air you breathe in over time,” suggested Joel Dreessen, an air quality meteorologist and deputy program manager for MDE’s Air Monitoring Program. “Exercising isn’t advisable when air quality is this poor; we want to emphasize that there can be serious health impacts.”
Some air quality alerts might extend into Saturday, according to experts at MDE.
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Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine, noted that poor air quality can lead to issues like coughing, wheezing, and inflammation, especially in those with heart or vascular problems.
“It’s fairly common for patients to show up in the emergency room three or four days later, or even a week later, with chest pain or a stroke as a result of these vascular complications,” Galiatsatos explained.
He stressed the need to limit outdoor time and cautioned against over-relying on masks for protection. “The particles we’re dealing with have traveled extensive distances and are incredibly small. So, face masks probably won’t offer much protection against the pollutants we expect,” he added.
Galiatsatos also recommended seeing a doctor if persistent symptoms, such as coughing, last longer than a few days.
