The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has declared a code orange air quality alert for the Philadelphia Metro area today, citing that air pollution could reach levels potentially harmful to sensitive groups. The alert especially emphasizes that children, individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases, along with the elderly, could be adversely affected. Officials advise that people falling into these categories should avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors to reduce exposure to air pollutants.
As reported by NWS Philadelphia, the city is facing a mix of changing weather patterns alongside these environmental concerns. Despite a sunny forecast with a high expected near 92 degrees Fahrenheit today, residents are being alerted to not only brace for sweltering temperatures but also to consider staying indoors to avoid the less visible danger lurking in the very air they breathe.
The importance of this air quality alert cannot be overstated, as the Health Department of Philadelphia notes that “children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly” may experience deteriorating health due to the suboptimal air conditions. More details on the specifics of ground-level ozone and fine particles can be found on the Philadelphia government’s health website, which provides resources and advice for coping with these conditions…