Air quality alert issued for Philadelphia as smoke from Canada moves through region
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Code Red Air Quality Alert is in effect for the Philadelphia region Wednesday as smoke from another Canadian wildfire moves through the area.
The alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.
The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity.
On Tuesday night, plenty of residents in the Philadelphia area called 911 about smoke, haze and burning smell.
In Montgomery County, authorities received an influx of calls about the smoke odor moving through the region. Bucks County officials received the same calls from residents.
In Delaware County, video from CBS Philadelphia's Joe Holden shows smoke from the Canadian wildfires blanketing the lights at the Haverford Township municipal complex.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed much of the Delaware Valley. You can see the haze in the lights at the Haverford Twp. municipal complex; it has also set off odor investigations all over the place and lots of calls for respiratory distress. @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/JOvuEvv5ye
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) June 7, 2023
A map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Tuesday night showed the air quality in parts of the Philly region.
In Norristown, the air quality is considered moderate, according to the map. It's acceptable but may be a risk for people who are sensitive to air pollution.
Meanwhile, in the Lehigh Valley near Allentown, the air quality is currently considered "unhealthy," which means some people in the area may be harmed by the air quality.
The Philadelphia Health Department is recommending residents take precautions due to the smoke.
Below is a list of ways to take precautions while the air quality alert is in effect:
- Avoid going outdoors as much as possible.
- If you must go outside, avoid excessive activity, such as jogging or running, and wear a mask, if available.
- Close all windows and doors to minimize air pollution in your home.
- Recirculate air with fans to avoid bringing more air pollution into your home.
- Avoid areas of high congestion and where air pollution may be high (e.g., main streets or highways, areas with low circulation).
- People with underlying illnesses should monitor for symptoms, including trouble breathing, nausea, and dizziness. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The smoke is moving through the area, as multiple wildfires have burned in New Jersey, including one currently in Ocean County.
Due to the ground being dry and the low humidity, a gusty breeze could lead to an enhanced risk for a wildfire to form and spread.