The Charles County Department of Health and the Maryland Department of the Environment advises residents to expect very unhealthy air conditions today due to the smoke and fine particles produced from the wildfires in Canada. Air quality is currently at unhealthy levels for everyone.

Due to progressively worsening air qualities residents should limit their time spent outdoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves. Individuals sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older adults, people with respiratory problems such as asthma or heart conditions, should avoid outdoor exertion altogether. Consider only engaging in those outside activities that are necessary and limit all outdoor strenuous exercise. People who must be outside, such as outdoor workers, should be alert for symptoms such as difficulty breathing.

The Maryland Department of Health and Charles County Department of Health advise Marylanders to follow the Air Quality Action Guide, which includes information on preventing the adverse effects of polluted air. For a red alert, everyone should limit strenuous outdoor activity when the air is unhealthy.

·   If you have lung or heart disease, stay indoors.

·   Air conditioning can improve the air quality indoors.

·   Masks (like N95s, KN95s) will reduce the particles that you breathe, but they can also make it harder to breathe.

·   Be alert for breathing problems in children, especially children with lung problems like asthma.

·   Check on neighbors and relatives with chronic health problems.

·   Use the air recirculating feature in your vehicle when using the air conditioning system.