Holy smokes: It's going to be a hazy shade of summer in central Pennsylvania: live updates
South-central Pennsylvania has been dealing with smoky skies and unhealthy air pollution as wildfires continue to burn in Canada.
Thursday will be a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day, and it includes York and Lebanon counties, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
It citing ozone concentrations as the culprit. That's when airborne chemicals, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, react with sunlight, a news release states.
The high ozone concentrations are mostly caused by car exhaust and industrial air emissions, but wildfire smoke can contribute to it, the release states.
Friday was a red alert day
The state Department of Environmental Protection updated its declaration on Friday afternoon, now making it a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for the entire Commonwealth, a news release states.
The air is unhealthy for sensitive people, such as the elderly, young children and those with respiratory problems, and they should avoid outdoor activities. Others should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
The department had said it would be a Code Orange Day but the smoky conditions are persisting.
York and Lebanon counties remain in the unhealthy red zone.
As of noon today, the air quality index was 171, according to AirNow. The scale runs from zero to 500, and the hazardous conditions fall into 301 to 500 range.
The air quality is expected to be moderate on Saturday, according to AirNow.
The poor air quality has prompted a concert at Lebanon Valley College to be moved indoors tonight, according to a news release. The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra now will perform in the Blair Music Center on campus.
The free patriotic-themed concert starts at 8 p.m. and is open to the public.
How to check the current air quality in your area
AirNow is run by government agencies and gives residents information on the current conditions in their area.
People can just type in their zip code or city and state to get the latest information.
Central Pa. experienced 'some of the worst ever' air quality
A few weeks ago, the region experienced hazardous air quality from the wildfires.
At that time, the air quality index for York and Lebanon counties was 457, one of the highest levels.
It isn't clear if it was the worst air quality the region has experienced historically, but it was "some of the worst ever," said Neil Shader, state DEP director of communications.
"Certainly highest in over two decades if you’re looking for a comparison point," he said in an email.
Unhealthy air quality in central Pennsylvania could last for months
Residents in south-central Pennsylvania as well as many parts of the country can expect the smoke to stick around for much of the summer.
If it isn't the smoke, it will be the heat and humidity, meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center told the Associated Press. It's a result of the 235 out-of-control Canadian wildfires and a stuck weather pattern.
“Pick your poison,” said prediction center forecast operations chief Greg Carbin. “The conditions are not going to be very favorable.”
“As long as those fires keep burning up there, that’s going to be a problem for us,” he said. “As long as there’s something to burn, there will be smoke we have to deal with.”
Did you take a photo of the smoky skies?
People are sharing photographs of the disappearing skylines because of the smoky skies.
Have you taken a photograph of the skies in your community in York and Lebanon counties? You can share them by sending an email to news@ydr.com. Please include your name and location where the picture was taken.
Take these steps to protect your lungs
The American Lung Association offers tips for people to avoid lung irritation and health complications from the air pollution.
They are:
Stay indoors. Avoid breathing smoke, ashes or other pollution.
Protect the air in your home. Keep doors, windows, and fireplace dampers shut. If you can, keep clean air circulating through air conditioners on the recirculation setting.
Keep an eye on symptoms. Breathing can be more difficult. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms.
Take precautions for children. Precautions should be taken for children and teens whose lungs are still developing and breathe in more air for their size than adults.
Ask for help. Call the association's lung helpline with questions, including how to protect yourself. It is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists. The number is 1-800-LUNGUSA.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Smoke from Canadian wildfires will leave hazy skies in central Pa.
