The National Weather Service announced a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Pennsylvania for July 16th. According to the National Weather Service, air quality within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. The alert lasts from midnight on July 16 until at least midnight on July 17, though hazy conditions are expected to linger through Friday.

The alert is due to smoke clouds that blew in from wildfires currently burning in Canada and Minnesota. Particulate matter in the smoke causes hazy air and a campfire-like smell. Smoke exposure can cause coughing, lung and eye irritation, and headaches in vulnerable groups, said the National Weather Service. Those most susceptible include seniors, young children, and those with respiratory conditions. They are advised to stay indoors.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection encouraged residents to reduce air pollution by avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use, and avoiding open burning of leaves, trash, or other materials.

The air quality alert affects these counties:

-Berks

-Bucks

-Carbon

-Chester

-Delaware

-Lehigh

-Monroe

-Montgomery

-Northampton

-Philadelphia

To check local air quality, residents can visit this page: AirNow.gov.

Photo – Environmental Protection Agency