The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day in Western Pennsylvania for June 28, 2023 because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. The smoke from the Canadian wildfires contains very small particles that can make breathing more difficult. The average air quality forecast in Erie County for June 28, 2023 is in the Code Red range.
A Code Red Air Quality Alert is considered unhealthy. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and DEP advise the following:
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Avoid difficult activity outdoors.
• Keep outdoor activities short.
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Choose less difficult activities (like walking instead of running) so you do not breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter from the smoke due to wildfires in eastern Canada will likely improve a little bit to the Code Orange range on Wednesday, June 29, 2023.
Air quality can change throughout the day depending on the direction the wind blows. At certain points of the day, air quality may become worse in the Code Purple range or improve to the Code Orange range.
While DEP is responsible for monitoring air quality throughout the Commonwealth, Erie County Department of Health recognizes the health risks associated with air quality alerts.
Additional recommendations for personal protection from wildfire smoke from the Pennsylvania Department of Health are available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/health-details.aspx?newsid=1825
Residents can check current air quality monitor readings at any time here: https://fire.airnow.gov
