Air Quality in Delaware: What to Know About Wildfire Smoke

Adobe Stock | Jennifer J. Taylor

Canadian wildfire smoke is causing air quality alerts throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. Here’s what to know and how to prepare.

Canadian wildfires are affecting air quality throughout the United States, especially in the northeastern region. Although the wildfires have been burning since last month, the most recent fires in Quebec have caused a particularly high level of smoke to blow into Delaware and the surrounding region. As of Wednesday morning, the air quality index was above 200, or “very unhealthy,” throughout most of the First State.

What does this mean for Delawareans? In short, it means we should keep our outdoor activities limited and brief. Here’s everything you need to know about wildfire smoke and how to keep yourself out of harm’s way during air quality alerts.

What Are the Effects of Wildfire Smoke?

According to the CDC, wildfire smoke can make anyone sick—even those who are generally healthy. However, older adults, pregnant women, young children and those with preexisting respiratory conditions should take extra precautions. It’s important to remember that, along with gases, wildfire smoke carries particles of burnt vegetation, building materials and any other materials with which the fire has come in contact.

Adobe Stock | Jennifer J. Taylor

Here are the symptoms to watch out for, especially if you’re spending extended periods of time outdoors:

1. Coughing
2. Trouble breathing
3. Stinging eyes
4. Runny nose or irritated sinuses
5. Wheezing or shortness of breath
6. Headaches
7. Chest pain
8. Fatigue

To avoid or lessen these symptoms, limit your time outside, and take precautions to keep your indoor air as clean as possible.

 

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Air Quality Index Explained

With a rapidly changing situation like the one caused by Canadian wildfire smoke, it’s important to check up on local air quality alerts and stay informed about the Air Quality Index (AQI), which includes a numerical value, color descriptions and their correlating levels of concern. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Air Quality Forecast is a great resource for those in Delaware to find both the Air Quality Index and a description of what the values mean.

Over the next few days, we can expect air quality to be in the range of approximately 100-275. The 51-100 range is considered the “yellow” zone, presenting a moderate level of concern. Air quality is acceptable in this range but may be a slight risk to those with sensitivities. The range of 101-150 is the orange zone, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups and those with pre-existing conditions. After that, 151-200 is the red zone, which means the air is considered generally unhealthy for anyone. Finally, 201-300 is considered the purple zone, or very unhealthy. When in the purple zone, it’s recommended that everyone limit their time outdoors as the air can be unsafe even for perfectly healthy people to breathe.

 

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How to Protect Yourself During Air Quality Alerts

As of Wednesday and Thursday, many areas in Delaware are in the purple zone, experiencing “very unhealthy” air quality.

“While canceling outdoor events is not necessary, it is advisable to relocate indoors when possible,” warns the Delaware Division of Public Health. “Individuals should make health decisions in consultation with their medical professionals and based on their own considerations.”

According to the DNREC, here’s what you can do to ensure you stay protected from breathing an excess of unhealthy air during an air quality alert.

• Avoid outdoor activity, especially activity requiring labor.
• If you have to participate in strenuous outdoor activity, a properly fitted N95 mask is recommended.
• Avoid burning anything indoors including candles, wood fireplaces, gas stoves, etc.
• Don’t do anything that makes the air in your home less breathable. Activities discouraged by experts include frying meat, smoking, vacuuming and stirring up particles in your home and opening your windows.
• Leave your windows up while driving if possible, and run the air conditioner on “recirculate” mode.

Another great resource to check daily is the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. To stay updated about Delaware’s air quality in the coming days, visit dnrec.delaware.gov/air.

Related: Why You Should Get Screened for Lung Cancer in Delaware