Air quality concerns: Code Red issued for New Jersey as conditions improve in Pennsylvania, Delaware
PHILADELPHIA - Air quality concerns sparked by wildfires in Canada continue to impact the Delaware Valley.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Pennsylvania saw significant impacts from the smoke, leading to the issuance of a Code Red for air quality.
The alert caused local camps to alter outdoor activities and the City of Philadelphia closed all city pools to protect swimmers from the dangerous air.
On Friday, forecasters say conditions have improved in Pennsylvania but worsened in New Jersey.
Pennsylvania and Delaware are under a Code Orange, which indicates the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, the minority population and people who work outdoors. These groups are urged to take breaks if they must be outdoors and watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.
RELATED COVERAGE
- Code Orange: Unhealthy air quality lingers Friday in Pa. as Canadian wildfires burn unabated
- Philadelphia air quality: Streets empty as residents heed Code Red Alert
- Smoke from Canada wildfires increasing health risks in Black, poorer communities in US
- Code Red: Philadelphia city pools closed Thursday as unhealthy air quality continues in Pennsylvania
- How is air quality measured?
New Jersey is under a Code Red, indicating that the air quality is unhealthy for everyone.
Click here for more information on the air quality in your area.