Air quality alert

Due to smoke and haze present in Delaware this week, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) issued a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, July 16, with conditions expected to last through Friday, July 17.

Here is what a Code Red designation from DNREC means:

• People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should avoid physical activities outdoors.

• All others should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, limit all outdoor activities, and consider moving physical activities indoors or reschedule them entirely.

• Wearing a mask, preferably an N95, may help limit irritation of the respiratory system if you must spend time outdoors on Friday.

By Saturday, July 18, air quality levels are anticipated to be Code Orange, which can be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as young children, older adults and those with heart and/or respiratory conditions. People in these groups should limit outdoor activities, especially those that require a high level of exertion.

DNREC provides a website for updates on the latest air quality forecasts and what can be done to reduce air pollution locally.