'Dirty Air Mass' Prompts Air Quality Alert for Maryland

Blame it on the so-called “dirty air mass.”

Authorities have issued an air quality alert for the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metro areas on Thursday, warning that ozone levels will be high. The orange-level alert from the Maryland Department of the Environment says “a very dirty air mass is in place. On top of that, unseasonably warm temperatures and light winds will allow ozone concentrations to rise.”

Counties included in the alert are: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's, along with Washington, D.C., says the National Weather Service.

Air quality will be poorest in areas south and east of Interstate 95, the warning says.

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The steamy forecast – look for a high of 88-degrees with drizzle in the afternoon – call for higher-than-usual ozone levels in the Baltimore metro area.

The most familiar form of ozone is the ozone that forms a layer high in the Earth’s atmosphere, protecting us from ultraviolet rays. But when ozone forms at ground level, it’s considered a major air pollutant — and a health hazard, if levels exceed an Air Quality Index of 100. (As is forecasted Thursday.)

Ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight, scientists say.

State officials say that although the 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, while people with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.

When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.

The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather forecast from the National Weather Service is calling for possible thunderstorms later Thursday with temperatures reaching up to 85 to 89 degrees in the metro DC area.

Find more information at http://mde.maryland.gov/air or the Air Quality Hotline at 410-537-3247.