Code Red air quality alert in effect across all of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The entire state of Pennsylvania remains under an air quality Code Red, as the smoke from Canadian wildfires returns to the region. The Department of Health is advising people, especially those who are vulnerable to the impact of pollution, to stay indoors.

Hundreds of fires are burning across Canada in the country’s most destructive wildfire season on record. Some 20 million acres have burned. Plumes of smoke and ash have stretched all the way to Europe.

The Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday an atmospheric inversion, a natural weather phenomenon where warm air traps cooler air beneath it, will once again “keep smoke-filled air closer to the surface and prevent air from higher elevations to mix with air closer to the ground.”

A Code Red means there is an unhealthy pollution level of fine particulate matter from that smoke, which can make the air hazardous for all populations.

Exposure to elevated fine-particle pollution levels, known as PM-2.5, can affect the lungs and heart. People can help reduce fine particulate matter in the air by:
— Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash and other materials
— Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment
— Avoiding unnecessary trips in cars and idling
— Carpooling, when possible

Health officials recommend vulnerable populations — young children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis — avoid outdoor activities, if possible.

They say everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy physical exertion.

Philadelphia Department of Public Health spokesman Jim Garrow said everyone should take some precautions.

“If you don’t have the option to stay inside, try to wear a mask. That will help cut down on the amount of particulate matter that gets into your lungs and will actually help protect you,” Garrow said.

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If you do have to go outside or do strenuous activities outdoors, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health suggests wearing a high-quality mask, like an N95 or KN95.

Residents can also:
— Close all windows and doors to minimize air pollution in their homes
— Recirculate the air with fans to avoid bringing more air pollution inside
— Seek immediate medical attention if they are having trouble breathing or feel nauseous or dizzy

Masks are available for free at four resource hubs across the city, as well as Philadelphia police districts and fire stations. Find a location here.

Due to the air, the city closed public pools on Thursday and moved all city-led youth programs indoors.

Despite all this advice, the warning didn’t stop people from venturing out for their morning workouts. Many continued their exercise routines at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursday. Robyn Frank of the Wynnefield Track Club felt good after her 6-mile run, though she acknowledges how important it is for people to understand their limitations.

“Pay attention to your body. You know what’s good for you,” she said. “I know asthmatics or different people may be at higher risk for the effects of the air quality. But overall, everybody should be careful anyway.”

Donna Sandfort of Manayunk felt fine working outdoors, but it was a different story three weeks prior.

“It was hard to breathe. It was hard to catch my breath,” she said.

At that time, in early June, the air quality index in Philadelphia reached hazardous levels. Cities across the Northeast were blanketed with a yellowish haze.

Officials say these conditions could continue in parts of the state for days, but Philadelphia officials predict the air here could clear out faster. Garrow said this round is expected to last at least through Friday.

As expected, the smoke is gradually moving toward New Jersey. Both New Jersey and Delaware are also under Air Quality Action Day alerts.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, "concentrations upwind continue to increase and for this reason, it is expected that western New Jersey counties will experience PM2.5 levels in the unhealthy range."