(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on June 26th, 2026)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver County, PA) According to the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania will be under a code red air quality alert today because smoke from wildfires in Minnesota and Canada will create unhealthy levels of pollution for everybody.
The DEP noted that the smoke from the wildfire will push into the southern counties of Pennsylvania from the northernmost counties today, which will create hazy skies and unhealthy air quality.
The DEP also stated that as a result of this air quality, people should consider limiting their outdoor activities, and sensitive groups like older residents and children as well as those with respiratory illnesses should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. T
This comes as much of Pennsylvania is experiencing temperatures of 90 degrees.
People can voluntarily help reduce the fine particulate matter air pollution by avoiding open burning, avoiding the use of lawn equipment that is gas-powered and not using wood stoves or fireplaces.
According to the American Lung Association in New York, they offer these five tips to avoid lung irritation and health complications due to high levels of air pollution:
- Take extra precautions for sensitive groups: Proactive steps should be taken for people who are more susceptible to pollution, like children, older adults, people with respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, and those who are pregnant.
- Check your air quality at AirNow.gov, and limit the amount of time spent outdoors beginning when the air quality is orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups.
- Put air conditioners on recirculate: People with lung disease or heart conditions should stay inside on bad air quality days as much as possible, with doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut, and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners and air cleaners. Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting to keep from pulling outside air into the room. When driving your car on days with bad air quality, keep your windows and vents closed. Vehicle air conditioning should only be operated in the “recirculate” setting.
- Don’t exercise outside: On days when air pollution is high, adjust your plans for the day. Everyone should limit or avoid outdoor activity, but this is especially important for children, older adults, people with respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, and individuals who are pregnant.
- Reduce your own air pollution: When the air quality is bad, consider postponing mowing the yard, using a charcoal grill or making unnecessary trips in your vehicle. These activities add to the air pollution.
- Monitor your symptoms: Higher levels of air pollution can make breathing more difficult. If you have chronic lung disease, follow your asthma or COPD action plan. You should also report any new or lingering health concerns to your healthcare provider.