Some days can be a Code Purple Air Quality Emergency Day for particulate matter. This means that the air is very unhealthy and that everyone may experience negative health effects from particulate matter in the air. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, children, pregnant people, immunocompromised people, people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, people without access to air filtration, and outdoor workers.

How to stay safe

The Health Department recommends that all residents take precautions to protect themselves. If you experience symptoms including trouble breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

All residents should avoid optional outdoor activities during a Code Purple Air Quality Alert. Reschedule those activities to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors. If you must go outside, wear a high-quality mask, like an N-95 or KN-95. Surgical masks, cloth masks, gaiters, and bandanas will not provide adequate protection.

Sensitive groups should take extra care to protect themselves from dangerous air. This includes people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, children, pregnant people, immunocompromised people, people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, people without access to air filtration, and outdoor workers.

To keep indoor air clean, you can:

  • Stay inside with doors and windows closed.
  • If you have air conditioning, set it to recirculate mode. If your air conditioner does not have a recirculation mode, turn it off.
  • Avoid activities that create more particulate matter indoors, including:
    • Smoking and vaping.
    • Using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces.
    • Spraying aerosol products.
    • Frying or broiling food.
    • Burning candles or incense.
    • Vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Updates to City services

Here’s where we’ll let you know if there is a change to City services due to a Code Purple.

Know your risk

To see the current air quality at the City’s air quality monitors near you, please visit www.phila.gov/breathephilly.

Stay informed

Follow the Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management on social media. For the latest updates, sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777, or by visiting www.phila.gov/ready.

What’s going on?

Here’s where we’ll let you know what’s going on.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk. Members of sensitive groups are at higher risk of health impacts from poor air quality.

How long will this last?

Here’s where we’ll let you know how long the Code Purple will last.

Residents are encouraged to check their nearest BreathePhilly monitor to find out the air quality in their neighborhood.