CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Smoke from recent wildfires in Canada is set to impact Charlottesville area air quality in the coming days, a pollutant that can worsen preexisting health conditions and make time outdoors hazardous.

According to current forecasts, the smoke impact in in the Charlottesville area will reach its peak at about 11 a.m. Friday. The Department of Environmental Quality, is forecasting unhealthy conditions for both the Richmond and Northern Virginia areas.

Children, seniors and those with heart or lung conditions are most susceptible to the air pollution caused by wildfires and are advised to avoid extended time outside or strenuous outdoor activities. N95 masks can help reduce exposure to air pollution as well as air conditioning on a recirculation setting, and doors, windows and fireplaces should be closed to prevent exposure.

National air quality forecasts can be monitored at online sites, with local air quality index for Charlottesville and surrounding counties available on AirNow.gov.