The air quality warning “Code Orange” is in effect in parts of Philadelphia due to the ongoing heat wave

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The recent extreme heat wave in the Philadelphia region had significant impacts on air quality.

For example, the air quality index for most of the Delaware Valley remains below Code Orange.

Victoria Wenstrup, environmental specialist with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, says this serves as a warning for people who fall into certain health categories.

“Our sensitive population such as children, adolescents and the elderly are at risk,” she said. “People with pre-existing conditions and people from sensitive groups should pay more attention to air quality on these days.”

Dr. Mark Goldstein, chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Pennsylvania Hospital, says it’s important to remember that even short-term exposure to ozone and particulate matter can be dangerous to vulnerable populations.

“This could include hospitalization for asthma or COPD, and in some cases even death,” Goldstein said.

Isabella Bentivogli of Cherry Hill says that as an asthmatic, she is a good example of someone who needs to play it safe.

“When I got off the subway and walked here,” she says, “I was very out of breath and definitely had to slow down. When I realized the air quality wasn’t going to be as good as normal, I definitely planned more time when I went anywhere, and I always carry my emergency spray with me.”

As always, under these conditions, the advice remains the same for the very young and the very old, as well as for people with respiratory diseases.

It starts with avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible and ensuring you stay hydrated.

“It might also be a good idea to wear a mask, the masks we wore during COVID,” Goldstein added. “Those N-95 masks would be appropriate if you’re spending time outdoors.”

Due to the extreme heat, many people prefer to stay indoors to cool down, regardless of whether they belong to a sensitive group.

“It’s unbearably hot. When you go outside, you feel like you’re going to melt a little bit,” noted John McGrady of Manayunk.

Restaurants report that few people want to eat outside because of the exploding temperatures.

“You can definitely see how the heat affects everything,” said Allie Ryan, manager of Goat’s Beard. “It’s really not the first choice.”

While some businesses thrive in hot weather, restaurants with outdoor seating may not.

“We have ten tables here that are not being used at all, which is really annoying,” Ryan noted.

One business thriving in the heat, however, is the Cheltenham Library System. Officials there say all branches are doubling as cooling centers for the public.

“We know that what our community needs most during these heat waves is a cool place,” says Elkins Park Head Librarian Elizabeth McGoran.

Many have turned to reading to keep a cool head.

“It’s a blessing. I don’t think anyone will think about going to the library,” said Khadijah Bey of Cheltenham.

There are many ways to keep an eye on the air quality in your community.

This includes the EPA’s Air Quality Index Monitor.