Air Quality Potentially Dangerous In Philly Region Tuesday: DEP

PHILADELPHIA — Air in the five-county Philadelphia region will be potentially dangerous for some residents Tuesday, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Officials Thursday declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for particle pollution Tuesday in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

The declaration stems from wildfire smoke in Canada making its way to the region Monday.

"With the northwesterly flow, wildfire smoke from fires in eastern Canada will move into the region early on Tuesday," the department said.

Most of the wildfire smoke expected to hit the region Tuesday will push more to the south by Wednesday, according to officials.

A code orange action day means the air has unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive groups of people.

Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems — such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis — are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities Friday, the department said.

Below are tips for reducing fine particulate matter pollution:

• reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use;
• avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials;
• and avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.