HARRISBURG — The state Department of Environmental Protection has declared a “Code Orange Air Quality Day of Action” for all of Pennsylvania on Friday due to particulate matter from Canadian wildfire smoke.
Average Air Quality Index values for the entire day will likely be in the code orange range; However, local conditions could be in Code Red. The highest concentrations are expected to occur in the early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to visit www.airnow.gov for local information.
On a Code Orange Air Quality Day of Action, children, vulnerable populations such as the elderly, those who exercise or work outdoors, and those with lung or respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis should reduce or eliminate outdoor activities.
Smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada is likely to contribute to daily mean concentrations of particulate matter in the code orange range. Additionally, the Philadelphia area (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties) could potentially experience ozone concentrations approaching code orange levels due to ozone precursor chemicals being carried in wildfire smoke.
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