The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day in Western Pennsylvania for June 28.

This is due to fine particulate matter due to smoke from Canadian Wildfires.

This warning impacts Mercer and Lawrence counties.

According to the DEP, on a Code Red Air Quality Action Day, young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should avoid outdoor activities.

Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, according to the DEP.

Smoke due to wildfires in eastern Canada will likely contribute to daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter in both the Code Red and Code Orange ranges on Wednesday.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Action Day areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by:

-avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials; and
-avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.