Wildfire smoke threatens air quality, health across Baltimore

By Andrew Hall
AFRO Intern
ahall@afro.com

Major cities across the United States, including Baltimore, are experiencing poor air quality because of wildfires in Canada. The Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Baltimore City on July 17, meaning air quality has reached unhealthy levels.

“Poor air quality poses a real threat to your health, so please take this seriously,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said in a press release. “Stay inside, follow the Health Department’s guidance, and make sure your friends and loved ones do the same. Stay safe, Baltimore.” 

Gov. Wes Moore also announced Maryland’s Code Red air quality conditions on July 17, making Maryland one of more than 20 states across the eastern and central U.S. under air quality alerts.

“For the health and safety of all Marylanders during the State’s Code Red Air Quality Condition, we are advising extra precaution, as we work in close coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Health to monitor the air quality both in Maryland and across the region,” said Moore in a press release. “At-risk populations should stay indoors and keep your windows closed to keep yourself safe. Please make sure to check in on your family, neighbors and loved ones.” 

Canada is currently experiencing a wildfire crisis, with more than 800 active fires across the country. Smoke from those fires has swept into the U.S., leaving millions at risk. Canadian wildfires also caused poor air quality across Maryland and much of the United States in 2023.

In an interview with the AFRO, Ronald Broome expressed his concerns. 

“I heard about smoke coming from the Canadian wildfires and how dangerous it was to breathe. It’s going to get humid,” said Broome. “It is serious, that’s why it’s being broadcast all over the country. If you don’t need to be outside, you shouldn’t be.”

Broome, 61, of Brooklyn, N.Y., added that people should stay prepared, wear a mask and avoid being outside for prolonged periods. 

Juanita Henley, a native of Tempe, Ariz., detailed her perspective. 

“So far, it’s hazy, muggy and humid,” noted Henley. “I know what bad air can do. In Arizona, we can get valley fever. I would stay inside.”

Poor air quality poses health risks to all people. If inhaled, it can cause coughing, shortness of breath, headaches and extreme fatigue. It can also lead to worsened asthma, heart attacks, reduced lung growth in children and lung cancer. 

According to health officials, those most at risk include children, pregnant women, older adults and people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions.

The effects of poor air quality is exacerbated by the searing summer temperatures, experts said.

“Extreme heat and wildfire smoke each carry major risks, especially for people with chronic health conditions including heart disease. The combination of the two is extremely dangerous,” said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, in a press release regarding the wildfires. 

Monica Rhea, a former teacher, shared tips on how people can stay safe. 

“We have to be extremely careful and cautious,” Rhea said. “So what I’d recommend to everyone is stay hydrated and as cool as they possibly can. Go to your local cooling centers and stay safe.”

Smoke is expected to linger over Baltimore through the afternoon of July 18. Until then, residents are urged to stay indoors, wear well-fitting N95 or KN95 masks if they must go outside and remain hydrated. More information is available on the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website.

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