Frederick sees more cancellations as region's air quality worsens
Jun. 8—A thick haze continued to blanket Frederick County on Thursday, forcing numerous closures and cancellations due to the poor air quality in the region.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a code purple air quality advisory for the region Thursday morning. This is the first time the region has recorded a day in this category due to fine particle pollution, the council wrote in its statement.
The council's code purple advisory means the air quality conditions have reached an unhealthy level for everyone, not just sensitive groups.
It is the second-worst level out of six. Maroon, or "hazardous," is the worst, followed by purple, which is "very unhealthy," then red, which is "unhealthy."
Wildfire smoke from Canada has swept across the East Coast, significantly reducing air quality across the region.
The Frederick Keys, who played Wednesday evening, canceled their Thursday morning game against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers out of caution, citing the poor air quality.
"This decision was reached with the best interests of players, staff and fans in mind, in light of the possibility that the Air Quality Index (AQI) may worsen today," the team wrote on its website.
Additionally, Alive @ Five, a weekly outdoor happy hour in downtown Frederick, was canceled on Thursday due to the unsafe air quality.
"As much as we'd like to have fun listening to New Orleans Zydeco with Zachary Smith and the Dixie Power Trio and you this evening, hazardous air conditions say nope!" the Downtown Frederick Partnership, which organizes the event, wrote on Facebook.
The city of Frederick canceled all of Thursday's scheduled outdoor programming, according to Sean Poulin, the city's superintendent of recreation.
Various community pools across the county, including in the city of Frederick, Whittier, and Brunswick, also closed for the day for safety reasons.
Dr. Lev Agarunov, a pulmonologist at Frederick Health Hospital, said more calls are coming in from patients with complaints of wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, difficulty breathing, eye irritation and chest tightness.
The small size of the particle pollutant allows it to travel low into the lungs and possibly into the bloodstream, Agarunov said. The doctor warned that the air quality is also hazardous for people without underlying medical conditions.
"That's my biggest concern. The particle size is so small, and it definitely can affect the lungs of patients who have absolutely healthy lungs ...," Agarunov said.
He advised people to avoid going outdoors as much as possible, and if they must, to avoid exercising outside.
Agarunov also recommended wearing N95 or KN95 masks when possible, keeping windows and doors closed to minimize pollution entering the home and avoiding congested streets and highways.
Agarunov said that if someone develops symptoms, like nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath, they should seek medical attention, even if they don't have underlying lung issues. He added that pulmonary patients should reach out to a health care provider instead of simply treating themselves.
Frederick Health did not see an uptick in patients coming into the emergency department with respiratory issues, Josh Faust, a spokesperson for the hospital, said Thursday afternoon.
The Environmental Protection Agency is advising those in sensitive groups, including those with heart or lung problems, older adults and children, to avoid all physical activity outdoors. Others should avoid long or intense outdoor activities and consider staying indoors.
The Council of Governments advised that people turn off lights and electronics when not in use to keep homes cool, avoid lawnmowing or use an electric lawnmower, and limit driving.
The National Weather Service forecasts the worst air quality will be overnight into Friday morning with conditions likely improving by the afternoon.
