Code Red Air Quality Alert in Maryland

Nearly all of Maryland is under a Code Red alert for unhealthy air quality Wednesday as smoke from wildfires in Canada has blanketed the air. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

Poor air quality will continue through Friday, along with reduced visibility due to the wildfire smoke, the agency said.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should take these precautions:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities short.
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
• Staying indoors as much as possible
• Keep your windows closed
• Use an air purifier if possible

The director of the asthma center at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., said air conditions could be particularly dangerous for children with asthma. Shilpa J. Patel told The Washington Post parents should keep all children indoors, especially those with asthma, and to have them wear N95 face masks if they go outside.

If children start coughing or have trouble breathing, they should start use their rescue inhalers every four hours, Patel said. Parents should call their child's primary care provider, too.