Air Quality Concerns: Canadian Wildfires and Plastic Smell Impact Pennsylvania and West Virginia

The state Department of Environmental Protection has declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for all of Pennsylvania due to continuing smoke from Canadian wildfires. The alert indicates that air pollution concentrations are unhealthy for sensitive groups, and people with respiratory problems, young children, and seniors are advised to limit outdoor activities. The highest concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected during the early overnight hours. This marks the third consecutive day of air quality alerts in western Pennsylvania, and local conditions could reach Code Red. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection encourages individuals to help reduce air pollution by avoiding open burning and the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.