MILTON, Del. - All three counties in Delaware were under an air quality warning on Wednesday. Sussex County fell under code orange, which means the air is unhealthy for certain groups like younger children, the elderly, and those with heart and lung disease.
DNREC Division of Air Quality says a lot of the air pollution we get in Delaware comes from other states.
It is recommended that more vulnerable populations stay inside on days like Wednesday. Because of air pollution, they can suffer from a range of symptoms from coughing to low blood oxygen to chest pain, which could get more dangerous.
"Ozone tends to peak later in the day, because ozone formation is driven by sunlight so as it gets later in the day we get more ozone formation,” said Angela Marconi, Director of DNREC Division of Air Quality.
Wednesday saw an air quality index of 101.
"Anything greater than 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups for patients who have long disease, asthma, COPD … and significant issues in cardiac patients,” said Dr. Victor Banzon, medical director of the pulmonary division at Beebe Healthcare
Dr. Banzon says at Beebe, they get calls daily from patients during the summer and allergy season.
"They tell me they know they can feel their lungs if they go out in hot, humid weather,” said Dr. Banzon.
He says those who have to work outside should take it easy, and stay hydrated, adding that there are even long term effects from breathing in pollutants.
"It's a slow progressive process where patients don't think anything is wrong, until it’s a point where they become inflamed and their lungs become infected and then they get symptomatic,” he said.
WRDE spoke to one person who didn't want to be on camera that said he was going to get food and quickly head home because of the air quality.
Milton resident, Tom Barry spent the morning doing yard work, and says he actively pays attention to warnings and watches like Wednesday’'s before heading out.
"I don’t have anyone I know with asthma, but once again there are other things. People shouldn't be running a 100 yard dashes in this air quality,” said Barry.
DNREC's division of air quality also offered a few tips to reduce exposure.
"Limiting time outside, limiting trips in the car, not fueling your car, maybe in the late afternoon, do it in the morning or wait until the evening",” said Marconi.
DNREC also says you can help keep the air clean by carpooling, riding public transportation, and biking.