Air quality in the D.C. metro region varies by weather and season, and those variations matter to health. The region uses the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) to base conditions on. “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” reflects AQI 101–150, and “Unhealthy” reflects 151–200, AirNow states. Sensitive groups are children, older adults, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease.
Two pollutants cause most alerts here. Ground-level ozone is formed on warm, sunny, light-wind days when pollution interacts with sunlight—most common between late spring and early autumn, AirNow reports. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) surges with smoke, dust, and other factors; these extremely small particles can aggravate breathing problems even on days when skies are only slightly hazy, the same guidance reports.
Daily forecasts and short discussion notes expressing the “why” of the numbers are published by regional forecasters. These include a region forecast with forecast AQI categories and time, MWCOG reports. State and local partners then replicate: Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality for Northern Virginia (Virginia DEQ), D.C.’s Department of Energy & Environment for the District (DOEE), and Maryland Department of the Environment for the suburban counties (Maryland MDE).
How to handle bad-air days is easy. Check the AQI in the morning and before engaging in outdoor exercise. During weather forecasts of Code Orange (AQI 101–150), people in sensitive groups must cut back on intense outdoor activity; when it reaches Code Red (151–200), all individuals must limit prolonged or heavy activity, AirNow reports. To keep indoor air as clean as possible, keep windows closed, have HVAC set to recirculate, and possess a HEPA room purifier if available. Asthma and other chronic lung disease patients should activate their action plans and carry rescue inhalers with them.
Alternative transportation can help on hot-ozone days too. Traveling earlier in the morning or early evening, grouping errands together, and using public transit can reduce emissions during times of peak sun and heat, local officials advise, MWCOG reports.
For current and quick look at risk levels by color, people can use the national map and city pages updated by AirNow. For the metropolitan area’s daily forecast and special statements, check MWCOG, Virginia DEQ, DOEE, and Maryland MDE.
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