For car wash owner Mickey Ogunbayo, the air quality is getting in the way of work.
“We are taking it easy. Drinking a lot of water. That’s what we are doing and remaining positive," Ogunbayo said.
He’s giving his employees frequent breaks and plans on closing early because the DMV is cloaked in a haze filled with particulate matter. The culprit: hundreds of fires burning to our north in Canada elevating our region’s air quality to Code Purple.
Ogunbayo added, “Yeah, we know, but we have to do what we have to do. We’ve got to make ends meet. It’s America.”
The code purple designation means it’s very unhealthy for everyone to breathe the air, regardless of their cardiovascular health. Most people 7News saw in half-deserted downtown Silver Spring were donning masks.
“It feels like a movie: 'The Fog,'" said Pekeke.
Rock musician Pekeke of Puerto Rico, who is in town for a performance, wore a mask on Thursday.
“It’s difficult for some people to breathe. I would recommend always wearing a mask if you can," said Pekeke.
To encourage residents to be outside as little as possible, all Ride-On bus service is free. Anne Bernard was delighted her number 20 bus pulled up just in time.
“I am concerned. When I came outside, I saw the whole place was foggy and I was wondering if there was a building on fire. Now that you are telling me it’s coming all the way from Canada. It’s serious," said Bernard.
Zaneta Johnson, another resident, said, “Yeah, there are usually way more people out.”
Johnson told 7News while waiting for her bus, that she had to leave her house today for an errand but is now heading home ASAP. She also told us the haze hovering over the region isn’t bothering her lungs. It’s bothering her head, "It makes me feel, not per se sick but, a little woozy.”
Experts say any kind of covering over the nose and mouth will help to a certain extent. But if you really want protection – you’ll need something akin to an N-95 mask.
7News On Your Side is reaching out to various agencies in the DMV. We were told calls for service for respiratory issues have not spiked. The assumption is people are heeding warnings and staying inside.