Stay healthy as air quality decreases

Wildfire smoke originating from Canada is making skies hazy on Delmarva and creating poor air quality. How much that may impact someone’s health depends on the person’s existing health and sensitivity, experts say. 

The air quality has already changed over the last 24 hours, and on Friday, July 17, all of Maryland and Delaware are expected to see unhealthy air quality conditions, according to AirNow.gov.  

“Most healthy people will have no ill effects of breathing in poor quality air, as their healthy respiratory tract will filter it, but people who have sinus or lung disease, or people who have other health issues, can absorb less oxygen and/or get infections as a result of poor air quality,” said Sally Dowling, MD, CPE, chief clinical officer at TidalHealth Atlantic.  

Sensitive groups include the very young, the very old, and people with chronic lung, respiratory or heart diseases, along with those who require the use of supplemental oxygen, Dr. Dowling said.  

The length of time a person is outside — and what they do while they’re outdoors — can also make a difference in how the air quality impacts them.  

“The longer anyone is breathing in poor quality air or the more they are exerting themselves, either by physical work or exercise, the more the poor air quality can affect them, their respiratory tract, and lower their oxygen intake,” Dr. Dowling said.  

And when is it time to see a doctor?  

“If anyone experiences increased shortness of breath, wheezing, weakness or general malaise, they should contact their healthcare professional,” Dr. Dowling said.