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D.C. air pollution levels hit Code Red this week

For the first time since 2012

Record Heat Wave Grips Northeast Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Pollution levels in the Washington area reached Code Red or “unhealthy” levels on Monday, according to the Capital Weather Gang, for the first time is six years. Last summer, the DMV avoided any Code Red or Code Purple-level days of pollution. But a few days without wind this past week might account for pollution and high ozone levels stagnating in the air.

WTOP predicts that the rest of the week could hover in Code Orange territory. Code Red means that the air is unhealthy for all groups of people, while Code Orange indicates that those with more sensitive respiratory systems include children and the elderly could be affected by the air quality.