Wildfires burning in Canada’s northern boreal forests have brought smoke to Pittsburgh unlike we’ve ever seen before — and we know that the air quality here already isn’t great. Here’s how to monitor the air and protect yourself:
Understand Pollution
Breathing in particle pollution from fine particulates (PM2.5) can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease and asthma. Fine particulates can come directly from a source, such as fire, construction sites, and smokestacks, or form in the atmosphere from pollutants emitted from power plants, automobiles, and industrial manufacturing.
- 🎧 We see a lot of this pollution at the Shell Cracker Plant in Beaver County. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Yesterday’s air quality report for Pittsburgh via the Environmental Protection Agency. (AirNow)
Check Air Quality
Search your zip code on the AirNow tool, and see how the air is categorized on the EPA’s Air Quality Index, a six-tier, color-coded scale representing different levels of pollution. It’s measured from 0 to 500, and higher values indicate greater air pollution; anything above 100 is unhealthy.
📍 Get a closer look at the monitors near you or view recent trends in the air quality.
🔥 If you want to track the smoke from wildfires, use this New York Times radar map.
Trust Your Nose
If it smells bad outside, it could mean that you’re inhaling toxins. Report foul odors, and track other reports in the community with the Smell Pittsburgh app.
Keep Yourself Safe
If EPA’s Air Quality Index indicates unhealthy air, close your windows, limit time outdoors, and run air filters to avoid the toxins. Here’s how to make a DIY air purifier.
🎧 Listen to more about Pittsburgh’s pollution problems and why the city sometimes smells like rotten eggs. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
