Philadelphia Air Quality Alert Issued as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Returns to the Region
The Philadelphia Air Quality Alert is back on as smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires drifts down into southeastern Pennsylvania creating unhealthy air conditions across the region. Pennsylvania environmental officials have issued a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), saying air quality could become unhealthy to everyone, especially children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Arrives in Philadelphia
The most recent smoke plume was caused by large wildfires burning in parts of Ontario and elsewhere in Canada. Weather patterns shifted, blowing smoke south into the northeastern United States, reducing visibility and raising concentrations of tiny airborne particles. They can travel deep in the lungs and can make asthma, heart disease and other respiratory conditions worse.
Rare Atlantic Niña Is Emerging During a Super El Niño and Experts Explain What It Could MeanSmoke has impacted several states in the North-east and Mid-Atlantic, and several air quality alerts have been issued with conditions continuing to change through the day.
Health Officials Advise Residents To Stay Indoors
The return of wildfire smoke comes on the heels of a wave of extreme summer heat, creating an added health risk for residents. Temperatures are expected to reach into the mid 90s with heat index values rising even higher in some areas.
Officials are telling people to avoid strenuous outdoor exercise until air quality improves. People with asthma, chronic lung disease and heart conditions, older adults, pregnant women and young children are encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible. Closing windows, running air conditioning on recirculation and air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce exposure to smoke indoors.
If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or your respiratory symptoms get worse, call your doctor right away.
Why Air Quality Alerts Are on the Rise
Canada’s wildfire season remains active with hundreds of fires burning in several provinces. Smoke from those fires has moved across the U.S. border several times in recent summers, resulting in hazy skies and unhealthy air in cities far from the actual wildfire areas.
Environmental agencies will continue to monitor pollution levels throughout the day and could issue additional air quality alerts if weather conditions trap smoke at ground level. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality updates before prolonged outdoor activity.
References
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Code Red Air Quality Action Day for PM2.5 pollution from Canadian wildfire smoke.
National Weather Service (NWS): Philadelphia region Air Quality Alert information, time and counties impacted.
Reuters: Coverage of ongoing Canadian wildfires and smoke impacting the north-east U.S.
CBS Philadelphia: What to expect in the weather and public health guidance for those living in Philadelphia. Local forecast
