READ MORE | Live updates as wildfire smoke prompts air quality alerts across Philadelphia region
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Friday due to the wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota.
During Friday's Code Purple alert, everyone is being asked to avoid outdoor activities, especially those in sensitive groups. The DEP is also asking people avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment and avoid open burning of leaves, trash and other materials.
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"I'm encouraging all Philadelphians to take action to protect themselves during this air quality emergency," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said. "That means avoiding going outdoors unless it's necessary. Stay indoors unless you have to go out. If you don't need to go out, try to limit your time."
Officials said anyone who must be outside should limit their time outdoors and wear an N95 or KN95 mask.
AccuWeather: Air Quality Alert today in the Philadelphia region
Because of the unhealthy air quality, Philadelphia is suspending trash and recycling collection on Friday.
"We will resume trash and recycling collections once the air quality improves," said Carlton Williams, the city's director of Clean and Green Initiatives. "We're asking our residents not to put out their trash and recycling for (Friday)."
Sanitation convenience centers will remain open.
City pools and spray grounds are also expected to be closed Friday because of the poor air quality.
Officials said they are continuing to monitor conditions around the clock and will announce any additional changes to city services on Friday if necessary.
AccuWeather says the air quality will fluctuate depending on the wind direction, adding that people should monitor the air quality throughout the day.
Code Red Air Quality Alert brings smokey hazy to Philadelphia skyline
Impacts to health
Action News spoke with Dr. Eric Balaban, who serves as a pulmonary and critical care fellow at the Temple Lung Center.
He said the smog that has set in, plus the particles from the smoke, can cause irritation and inflammation for everyone.
"There's a lot of things floating in the air right now that hurt our health," he said. "It can cause chest tightness. It can cause difficulty breathing or wheezing in some people. It can cause eye irritation and headaches."
Health experts warn that the smoky air can be dangerous, particularly for people with pre-existing health conditions. Residents reported noticeable effects from the air quality.
"This morning it actually smelled burnt. And I have asthma and I walked to the gas station this morning, and I was like, 'Oh my God, I can't breathe,'" said Alyssa Starling of Burlington, New Jersey.
6abc Air Quality Tracker
Pet owners are also taking precautions.
"Me and Leila are both drinking a lot more water the last couple of days because you just have to stay hydrated no matter what. The air quality is so bad," said Dawn Costello of Burlington, as she walked her dog Leila.
Doctors say even healthy people can be affected by the elevated levels of particulate matter in the air.
"Over the past 24 hours we've seen an uptick in our emergency rooms and our urgent cares," said Dr. Eric Sztejman, a pulmonologist and vice president of critical care services at Virtua Health.
RELATED: How to protect yourself from poor air quality as wildfires burn in Canada
Experts advise residents to track the air quality with the weather app on your phone or the Air Now website.
According to Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, the air quality index, or AQI, is acceptable if it's between 0 and 50. But, he said, if the AQI is between 50 and 100, "those with preexisting lung conditions, and those with preexisting heart conditions, you want to try to minimize your time out."
Chopper 6 over Philadelphia skyline as wildfire smoke flows into region
For anything above 100, Dr. Galiatsatos said everyone, regardless of medical history, should limit their time outside.
In addition to air quality concerns, the heat is creating additional challenges.
One cooling option is a radiant cooling pavilion at the Isles Tucker Street Urban Demonstration Garden in Trenton, where visitors can experience solar-powered cooling technology.
"My fingers are nice and warm, but the surfaces behind are at 42 degrees Fahrenheit right now," a demonstration participant said.
"What we do with this technology is cool the surfaces. And we can absorb radiation that people emit," said Eric Teitelbaum, co-founder of Clearly Cool.
Sztejman said people experiencing symptoms such as lightheadedness, chest tightness or heart palpitations should seek medical attention from a doctor or urgent care provider.
In June 2023, lingering Canadian wildfire smoke led to major air quality issues in Philadelphia. At the time, the AQI reached a maroon level.
James Garrow, Philadelphia's Deputy Health Commissioner, said that level "is really dangerous for just about everybody, and we made recommendations for everyone to stay inside."
"This is an opportunity for folks to listen to their bodies and make sure that if they're having difficulty breathing, head inside," Garrow said.
Garrow recommends Philadelphians keep track of the air quality on the Breathe Philly website.