If you've been outside, you know the air is hazy and has a smoky smell because of wildfires in western North Carolina. Air quality is at 'Code Red', and that means it's unhealthy for everyone, says Tom Mather of the state Division of Air Quality.
"You don't need to not go outdoors all day, but do need to limit your exertion," he says, "It's not a good day to go for a run, go for a long bike ride, to go play tennis for an hour or two."
Older citizens, children, and people with respiratory problems or who work or exercise outdoors, should avoid outdoor activities. CMS today asked schools to keep students indoors, as much as possible. In South Carolina, health officials issued a similar air quality alert for 25 counties along and west of Interstate 77.
