The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Friday, July 17, 2026, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) caused by wildfire smoke drifting into Pennsylvania from Canada and Minnesota. A Code Purple Air Quality Alert indicates very unhealthy air quality and means that everyone may experience adverse health effects, not just individuals in sensitive groups.
Health Recommendations
During a Code Purple Air Quality Alert, the following precautions are recommended:
- Avoid long or strenuous outdoor activities.
- Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, COPD, or other respiratory conditions should avoid all outdoor activities whenever possible.
- Move outdoor activities indoors or reschedule them until air quality improves.
- Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke entering your home or workplace.
- If you must be outdoors for an extended period, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 respirator, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
- Stay hydrated and monitor yourself and others for symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, or unusual fatigue.
Help Reduce Air Pollution
Residents are encouraged to help reduce additional particulate pollution by:
- Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- Refraining from open burning of leaves, brush, trash, or other materials.
Monitor Current Air Quality
Air quality conditions can change throughout the day and may vary by location. Check the latest Air Quality Index before spending time outdoors by visiting .
The 亚色影库 Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.