Code Red Issued In DC For First Time In Years: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- A Code Red, indicating very poor air quality, was issued for D.C. on Monday, the first time such an alert has been issued in six years, according to a report.

The Washington Post reports that the pollution level climbed into the "unhealthy" range for the first time since 2012. It happened despite clear skies and low humidity because there was very little wind, meaning pollutants can collect in the atmosphere.

Very high concentrations of ground-level ozone were blamed for the Code Red.

"Ground level or 'bad' ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight," the Environmental Protection Agency states on its website. "Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Ground level ozone can also have harmful effects on sensitive vegetation and ecosystems."

The air problems are continuing into Tuesday, with a Code Orange declared. While Code Orange indicates air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, Code Red means the air is unhealthy for all groups.

"Everyone may experience health effects and should limit their outdoor activity; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects," states the EPA's index.

Pollution levels have actually been at their lowest in years in the D.C. area, according to the Post. However, Monday's Code Red shows that there is much work still to be done.

Here is how the EPA breaks down each category, according to their website:

• "Good" AQI is 0 to 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• "Moderate" AQI is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
• "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" AQI is 101 to 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
• "Unhealthy" AQI is 151 to 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
• "Very Unhealthy" AQI is 201 to 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• "Hazardous" AQI greater than 300. This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Image via EPA