Washington, D.C. Air Quality Alert: Canadian Wildfire Smoke

Is the air quality good in Washington, D.C.?

No, as of June 29, the air quality in Washington, D.C. is rated as unhealthy, with the main pollutant responsible for this rating being PM2.5, which refers to fine particulate matter that can be harmful when inhaled. It is important for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect their health, especially those who are sensitive to poor air quality.

Why is there an air quality alert in Washington, D.C.?

The air quality alert in Washington, D.C. is due to the presence of drifting smoke from the wildfires in Canada. The smoke has created a hazy atmosphere and lowered air quality in the region. Other areas affected by this poor air quality include Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

What is causing poor air quality in Washington, D.C.?

The poor air quality in Washington, D.C. is primarily caused by the drifting smoke from the wildfires in Canada. Across Canada, there are currently 490 fires burning, with 255 of them considered to be out of control. The smoke from these wildfires is spreading and affecting air quality in various parts of the United States, including Washington, D.C.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

As of June 29, 2023, there are no evacuation orders in place. However, health experts advise Americans under air quality advisories and alerts, such as in Washington, D.C., to stay indoors or wear pollution masks when outside to mitigate the effects of the poor air quality. It is important to follow local authorities' instructions and stay updated on any additional alerts or guidelines regarding air quality and safety in the region

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.