Pennsylvania Air Quality Alert: Canadian Wildfire Smoke

Is the air quality good in Pennsylvania?

The air quality in Pennsylvania on Monday, July 17, 2023 is poor due to smoke from Canadian wildfires (1)(2). The air quality is within the ranges of “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and “unhealthy” on the U.S. Air Quality Index in much of the state.

By noon, air quality was unhealthy in Pittsburghand unhealthy for sensitive groups in Harrisburgand Philadelphia.

Is there an air quality alert in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Monday, indicating that the air pollution levels are unhealthy for sensitive groups of people (3). This includes young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.

What is causing poor air quality in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s poor air quality is primarily being caused by ongoing wildfire smoke in Alberta and British Columbia in western Canada. The smoke has moved south and east into the upper midwestern United States and is now affecting Pennsylvania. The state has experienced similar air quality alerts multiple times this summer due to smoke from wildfires.

How is Pennsylvania responding to poor air quality?

Residents and businesses are being encouraged by the (DEP) to take voluntary measures to reduce fine particulate matter air pollution. This includes avoiding open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials, as well as refraining from using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.