UPDATED, June 8 at 1:50 p.m.- According to the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] reporting via AirNow.gov, Linton Hall, Va is under a CODE PURPLE ALERT, Thursday, due to air quality the agency considers "Very Unhealthy."
The air quality is 236 at 2 p.m., June 8, according to the index. Healthy air falls within the 0-50 range. Should the number reach 300, Northern Virginia would fall within the highest measurement category for air quality. The air quality in Northern Virginia is worse than anywhere else in the Commonwealth.
The primary pollutant is the wildfires ranging in Northeast Canada and sweeping down the east coast of the U.S. Not only does the air contain smoke, but microparticle, that can damage a person's lungs.
Prince William County Schools has canceled all its outdoor activities for today, including after-school athletics and outdoor field trips. Most community pools have been closed.
In D.C. the Washington Nationals game has been postponed, a Pride event at the Whitehouse has been canceled or postponed and the National Zoo is closed.
Today in New York City, the air quality index reached 484, which is almost off the charts.
Primary Pollutant: Wildfires in Canada
As per AirNow.gov:
This pollutant currently has the highest forecasted AQI in the area.
When the forecast is PURPLE (very unhealthy), everyone needs to cut back on outdoor activities. Stay tuned to local news media for advisories.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens: Avoid physical activities outdoors.
Everyone else: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities or keep physical activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
AirNow forecasts that air quality will improve, falling to a CODE ORANGE, Friday, making it still unhealthy for sensitive groups but a little safer for the general population. Sensitive groups include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with asthma, lung or heart conditions. (This is not a complete list of conditions and people should check with their doctors.)
Today in New York City, the air quality index reached 484, which is almost off the chart. There, the sky is amber-colored.
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