National Weather Service issues Code RED air quality alert

STATE COLLEGE, PA – The National Weather Service has issued a rare Code RED air quality alert for central Pennsylvania as Clinton County and environs are engulfed in smoke from multiple wildfires in Canada. The NWS warns that air pollution concentrations within the region are unhealthy:

Air Quality Alert
Until Wed 10 pm EDT

2 of 2

Action Recommended
Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By
State College – PA, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area
Southern Clinton County

Description
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 7… The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code RED Air Quality Alert for all of Central Pennsylvania due to widespread smoke impacting the state from forest fires across eastern Canada. A Code RED Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region are unhealthy, and the general public may experience mild health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles, visit www.airnow.gov.

The Clinton County Department of Emergency Services on Wednesday posted this:

Poor air quality can cause:
Headaches
Eye & sinus irritation
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing
Chest pains
Asthma attacks
Irritated throat
Increased coughing

Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous activity. Keep an eye on people with breathing issues.