Roanoke, Virginia – Authorities have raised an air quality warning for the Roanoke and Winchester regions.
The Department of Environmental Quality has indicated that the current Air Quality Index (AQI), calculated based on ground-level particulate pollution (PM 2.5) concentrations, falls within the Code Red range for both Winchester and Roanoke as of Wednesday afternoon.
This surge in air pollution levels is attributed to the smoke emitted from wildfires blazing across Canada.
Specifically, individuals who demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to air pollution, including those who suffer from cardiac or pulmonary conditions (such as asthma), are advised to refrain from engaging in strenuous outdoor activities until the air quality improves. The general population is similarly cautioned to limit strenuous outdoor activities during this period.
The most current air quality conditions can be accessed on the Virginia DEQ website. Moreover, individuals can sign up to receive alerts from the DEQ as well as air quality forecasts.
In the context of health information, here is a useful breakdown of the air quality code system:
Code Green represents minimal or no health risks. Code Yellow advises unusually sensitive individuals to consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities. Code Orange recommends active children and adults, and those with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), to limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Code Red strongly suggests active children and adults to limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Unusually sensitive individuals to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung diseases (including asthma), should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Code Purple strongly advises active children and adults to avoid prolonged strenuous outdoor activities. Unusually sensitive individuals to air pollution, particularly those with heart or lung diseases (including asthma), and older adults should abstain from all strenuous outdoor activities.
Excessive air pollution levels can negatively impact respiratory function, contribute to lung damage, incite coughing, provoke eye irritation, and place an extra burden on the heart. Air pollution may also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
