PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thick smoke from wildfires raging in Canada has hit the Philadelphia region, prompting a Code Red air quality alert on Thursday.
The sky has a brownish, hazy hue, and the smell of smoke, like a campfire or a fire pit, is hard to escape.
The air quality index, as of 7 a.m. Thursday, was at 184 — the “unhealthy” red zone — because of the higher levels of air pollution.
Those with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, and teens are encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible. Those considered to be healthy are also encouraged to limit their exposure.
“Today is not the day to start your marathon training plan,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. “If you don’t need to be outside, try to limit your time out there. If you do go out, make sure to protect yourself: take frequent breaks, especially if you can get indoors, and consider wearing an N-95 or KN-95 mask.”
Lankenau Medical Center pulmonologist Dr. Leah Lande said these tiny particles from the smoke can lead to serious issues.
“It can reach deep into the respiratory system and, when it does that, it can cause very significant breathing problems,” Lande told NBC10. “Wildfire smoke, if it’s less than 2.5 micrometers, can actually cross into the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the body, not just in the lungs.”
The poor air quality coincides with the heat and humidity that has settled in. Those blasting air conditioners in their cars are asked to hit the “recirculate” button so the air is not being drawn from the outside.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health said to keep indoor air clean, close all windows and doors, and switch air conditioners to recirculate mode.
The city also advised avoiding activities that create more particulate matter indoors, such as:
- Smoking and vaping
- Using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces
- Spraying aerosol products
- Frying or broiling food
- Burning candles or incense
- Vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
Exposure to higher levels of air pollution can cause health issues
Exposure to higher levels of air pollution can cause health issues
