Air Quality In Limerick Area: Very Unhealthy

LIMERICK, PA—The Air Quality website shows the Limerick Area is at a purple level, which is considered very unhealthy.

The AirNow report stated at 6:45 p.m. that the air quality is "unhealthy for all people."

The prediction for Thursday is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and teens should reduce outdoor activities or keep outdoor activities short. Everyone else should also reduce outdoor exposure and choose less strenuous activities.

The smoke from the wildfires over eastern Canada will continue to be the driver for higher air quality in Pennsylvania.

The worst air quality is expected early Thursday with gradually improving conditions on Friday.

Good to moderate air quality is expected over the weekend into early next week.

Why is the air quality bad?

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources said widespread smoke continues to burn across eastern Canada.
The perfect combination of an area of low pressure across Nova Scotia and an area of high pressure stationed over the Hudson Bay region of Canada continue to keep northerly wind flow across much of Pennsylvania.
This is reminiscent of what unfolded in early July 2002 when forest fires in a similar region of Canada impacted our area.

Here are some tips for reducing pollution:

• Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use;
• Avoid the burning of leaves, trash, and other materials;
• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

If you experience symptoms like trouble breathing or dizziness, you should seek medical attention. If you know a family member or neighbor who has one of the above conditions, remember to check in on them.

Visit www.airnow.gov to find the latest air quality levels and recommendations for your location.