Code Orange: Virginia counties’ air quality suffering from wildfires
PAGE COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — This week’s wildfires hit many Virginia counties hard. The air quality in areas near Page County, for example, has remained at “Code Orange” and “Code Yellow” after a massive wildfire throughout Shenandoah National Park.
Although two large fires — one near Basye and one northwest of Strasburg — were considered contained as of Thursday morning, the air quality in the area has lingered at less than ideal.
Crews work to put out flames in Shenandoah National Park
What does Code Orange mean?
An Air Quality Index (AQI) color in Orange means that air quality in the area is considered to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Members of sensitive groups can experience health effects, but the general public is less likely to be affected.
Although the EPA says it’s all right for people in sensitive groups to be active outside, it advises them to reduce prolonged or heavy exercise. People with asthma also should have medicine handy.
The higher the index value, the greater the level of air pollution and the possibility of health concerns. AQI values of below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When levels are above 100, however, air quality is unhealthy, states AirNow. The index value at Code Orange ranges from 101 to 150.
What does Code Yellow mean?
When AQI levels are in the yellow zone, unusually sensitive people can be vulnerable and might cough more or have shortness of breath. For most people, however, air quality with a Code Yellow is generally safe.
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