DNREC Provides Guidelines for Poor Air Quality

DELAWARE - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) have released guidelines to stay safe among the poor air quality across the state Wednesday – 06/07/2023 and Thursday – 06/08/2023.

The Department says it has declared a code red action day for both Wednesday (06/07/23) and Thursday (06/08/23), offering the following tips along with the Division of Public Health:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. While people with respiratory conditions should stay inside, make sure they have their inhaler or medicine.

• Wear a properly fitted (fit tested) N95 for those who must go outside for long periods of time. Typical masks such as cloth, surgical, or KN95 will not provide adequate protection from poor air quality from particulate matter. The best protection is to remain indoors in a cool and clean environment.

• Avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and even candles.

• Avoid spraying aerosol products.

• Avoid frying or broiling meat.

• Avoid smoking cigarettes.

• Don't vacuum while air quality remains unhealthy or very unhealthy since it stirs up particles already inside your home.

• Reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter in your vehicles by keeping the windows and vents closed, and, if available, operating the air conditioning in “recirculate” mode.

The division warns that specific populations, like young children, seniors, and those with lung conditions, could be significantly impacted. They say to relocate outdoor events inside.

Code Red Air Quality and the Health Impacts for Sussex County

SUSSEX COUNTY, DE - Thick smoke in Sussex County, obscuring the sun on what would otherwise be a clear and sunny day. The current conditions pose a particular concern for individuals with underlying respiratory issues, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as they are at a higher risk of being affected by the compromised air quality, according to Dr. Bill Chasanov, Chief Population Health Officer at Beebe Health.

People with sensitive lungs are advised to stay indoors today under the code red air quality alert. However, the poor air quality is not limited to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions and affects the general public as well. Dr. Chasanov warns that symptoms to watch out for include coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, watery eyes, and headaches.

For those who have to spend time outside, the use of masks is recommended to help filter out some of the smoke particles. Taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces is also advised.