Code Red air quality alerts issued

01 August 2011 14:14

People travelling to Maryland have been warned over high levels of air pollution

People travelling to Maryland have been warned over high levels of air pollution

People suffering from underlying health problems - such as asthma or lung disease - should be extra careful during Code Orange or Code Red days, according to health experts.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued Code Red air quality alerts, indicating that air pollution concentration in the region has hit unhealthy levels, recently.

Those planning a trip to the US state may find it reassuring to have a comprehensive medical travel insurance policy in place before setting off.

According to local doctors and health experts, running on such days could lead to health problems. They warned that the risk is higher for people with underlying health problems.

Dr Clifford S Mitchell, assistant director for Environmental Health and Food Protection at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said: "Bad air is bad air. It can have a physiological effect on anybody."

The expert said bad air can cause asthma attacks as well as other health problems, while rise in temperature can lead to heat-related injuries.

According to the Air Quality Index, Code Green means little or no risk, Code Purple indicates "very unhealthy" air, while Codes Orange and Red mean "unhealthy" air.

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