Philadelphia residents are being urged to stay indoors after the City issued a Code Purple Air Quality Alert on Friday, July 17, as wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada continues to impact the region.
The alert signals the highest level of concern for air quality, with particulate matter reaching levels considered very unhealthy for everyone—not just those with pre-existing health conditions. Officials warn that air quality can fluctuate throughout the day and vary by neighborhood depending on changing wind patterns.
“Our worsening air quality is a dangerous development,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. She encouraged residents to remain indoors whenever possible and wear a well-fitted N-95 or KN-95 mask if they must be outside.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker also urged Philadelphians to take the advisory seriously, asking residents to check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may be homebound during the air quality event.
What is code purple?
A Code Purple Air Quality Alert means airborne particulate pollution has reached levels that are unhealthy for everyone to breathe. While anyone can experience symptoms, certain groups face a greater risk of serious health complications.
People who should take extra precautions include:
- People with heart or lung disease, including asthma
- Children with older adults
- Pregnant people
- Immunocompromised individuals
- People experiencing homelessness
- Outdoor workers
- People without access to indoor air filtration
Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, or dizziness should seek medical attention immediately.
How to protect yourself during the air quality alert
Health officials recommend avoiding optional outdoor activities until air quality improves. If you do need to go outside, wear a properly fitted N-95 or KN-95 mask. Cloth masks, gaiters, and surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against fine particulate matter.
To help improve indoor air quality, officials recommend:
- Keep all windows and doors closed.
- Set air conditions to recirculate mode if possible.
- Avoid smoking or vaping indoors.
- Limit frying or broiling food.
- Skip candles, incense, and aerosol sprays.
- Avoid vacuuming unless using a HEPA-filter vacuum.
City services continue with some changes
Philadelphia will remain open, though some City services have been adjusted because of the air quality conditions. Trash collection has been suspended for Friday, July 17, while City pools and spray grounds will also remain closed.
Free Library of Philadelphia locations will continue operating on their normal schedules and are available for residents seeking air-conditioned indoor spaces.
City officials expect conditions to improve the weekend, though forecasts may change. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring air quality updates through the City’s BreathePhilly website and official emergency alerts.
