PHILADELPHIA—The City of Philadelphia is under a Code Purple Air Quality Alert for particulate matter due to wildfire smoke from Canada. A Code Purple Air Quality Alert means that the air is very unhealthy to breathe, and everyone is likely to experience health effects from being exposed. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Air quality may vary throughout the city and throughout the day, with some areas having significantly worse air quality depending on the prevailing winds.

“Our worsening air quality is a dangerous development,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner, Department of Public Health. “I strongly encourage all residents to take action to protect themselves by staying indoors, unless they need to be outdoors. If you do need to be outdoors, please wear a well-fitted N-95 or KN-95 mask. If you experience symptoms related to air quality, including trouble breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention. Stay aware of the air quality in your neighborhood by visiting phila.gov/breathephilly.”

“I want the people of Philadelphia to know that our City government is taking every step necessary to protect your health,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “If you do not need to be outside on Friday, please stay at home. Please check on your neighbors and any homebound resident who may need attention during this time. We will get through this significant weather-related health event together.”

The Health Department is hopeful that this event will end by the weekend. However, this forecast could change, so residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the situation via the Health Department’s BreathePhilly website, local news, City social media accounts, and the ReadyPhiladelphia emergency notification system.

Residents should be aware that the City is opening and operating as usual, with some service changes. As was announced at tonight’s press conference, trash pickup is suspended and pools and spraygrounds will be closed on Friday, July 17.

Free Library of Philadelphia locations will continue to be open during normal operating hours for people who may need to access air-conditioned facilities.

The City is not recommending that outdoor events be canceled, but is strongly recommending that staff at these events be given indoor breaks every 90 minutes and provided with N-95 or KN-95 masks.

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:

• Close all windows and doors.
• Turn off air conditioning or switch air conditioners to recirculate mode.
• 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.

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

The Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the air quality and provide updates as they become available. For more information, please visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management X account, the Health Department’s X account, and register to receive emergency alerts from ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or visiting www.phila.gov/ready.