Wildfire smoke from Canada will create very unhealthy air quality across the Philadelphia region on Thursday, with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issuing a Code Red Air Quality Action Day. Fine particulate matter from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota is expected to settle closer to the ground making the air unhealthy for everyone – not just those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Even healthy individuals may notice burning eyes, coughing, throat irritation, or shortness of breath after spending time outdoors.
If you can, limit the amount of time you spend outside, especially during the afternoon when smoke concentrations may be at their worst. Keep windows and doors closed, run your air conditioning on recirculate if possible, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you must be outside for an extended period of time, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask to reduce exposure to the tiny smoke particles.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with heart or lung disease should take extra precautions. Be sure to check on neighbors, stay hydrated in the heat, and monitor the latest air quality conditions throughout the day, as conditions may change with shifting winds.
Another hot and humid day otherwise with high temperatures in the mid 90s and heat index numbers in the upper 90s!
