The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has issued a Code Purple Air Quality Health Advisory for the metropolitan Washington region. Current air quality conditions have reached Code Purple, very unhealthy levels for everyone, for fine particle pollution due to ongoing smoke from fires in Canada. The air quality forecast for June 8 has been updated to Code Purple.

COG shares the following health precautions from EPA:

• Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
• Everyone else: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*

Residents can check current air quality conditions and the forecast on COG's website or by downloading a free air quality app from COG's Clean Air Partners program.

Residents can check current air quality conditions and the forecast on COG's website (www.mwcog.org/AQI) or by downloading a free air quality app from COG's Clean Air Partners program.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises area residents to take the following actions:

• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.
• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Telework, take transit - limit driving. Fill up your gas tank during evening hours.

The D.C. region has not previously recorded a Code Purple day for fine particle pollution, the type of air pollution currently being experienced. In 2012, the region reached the Code Purple level for ozone pollution (by today’s 2015 standards).

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

*Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local government to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.