Tips to stay healthy in case of poor air quality

Makea Luzader
·1 min read
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ROCKVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) — Fire officials said that a large fire at a Rockville industrial park could cause unhealthy air quality in the area on Thursday.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Spokesperson Pete Piringer said that it was a “bad air quality day” as crews continued to work to put out the fire Thursday afternoon.

Tanks catch fire at Montgomery County industrial park; smoke visible throughout DMV

Any type of air pollution — including smoke from fires or other pollutants, man-made and natural alike — can cause short-term and long-term harm. According to the National Institute of Health, pollution can affect people with health problems including asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

So what can you do to keep yourself safe if the air quality is impacted?

Piringer posted on the platform X with some tips — if you are experiencing poor air quality in your area, you should try to limit time outdoors and close your windows and doors when staying indoors.

You can also help limit risk to yourself and others by wearing a mask.

Piringer said that exposure to pollutants can cause headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, irritated throats and increased coughing.

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