Code Orange Air Forecast For July 4-6 for D.C. Region

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast Code Orange air quality for the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Tuesday, July 4 through Thursday, July 6. On Tuesday, Fourth of July fireworks are expected to contribute to increased levels of fine particle pollution. On Wednesday and Thursday, a different pollutant, ground-level ozone, is expected to cause the unhealthy air quality. The Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease. COG advises the following health precautions:

• Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website. On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following actions to improve the air:

• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
• Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
• Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

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