Air quality alert in effect for Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania counties – CBS News

Report on Code Orange Air Quality Alert in Southeastern Pennsylvania

Overview of the Air Quality Alert

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a Code Orange alert was declared for all of southeastern Pennsylvania due to poor air quality levels. This alert affects Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties, as well as Lehigh, Berks, and Northampton counties in the Lehigh Valley.

Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring Initiative

In response to the air quality concerns, Philadelphia launched an online air quality tracker that provides real-time pollution data collected from dozens of ground-level monitors throughout the city. This initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting healthier urban environments through enhanced monitoring and public awareness.

Causes of Poor Air Quality

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) identified elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as the primary cause of the poor air quality. These fine particles include tiny solid particles or liquid droplets such as soot, dust, and dirt, some of which are invisible to the naked eye.

Contributing environmental factors included:

• Very light surface winds
• Temperature inversion
• Fog
• Light rainfall

These conditions led to PM2.5 concentrations reaching levels classified under the DEP’s Code Orange alert.

Recommendations to Reduce Air Pollution

To mitigate the amount of particulate matter in the air, residents in the affected areas are urged to:

1. Reduce or cease use of fireplaces and wood stoves
2. Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials

These actions align with SDG 13: Climate Action, by encouraging behavioral changes that reduce air pollution and its impact on climate and health.

Populations Most Affected by Poor Air Quality

The DEP highlights that certain groups are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution during a Code Orange alert. These groups include:

• Young children
• The elderly
• Individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis

Members of these groups are advised to limit outdoor activities on the day of the alert to protect their health, supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Conclusion

The Code Orange air quality alert in southeastern Pennsylvania underscores the critical need for ongoing air quality monitoring and public engagement to safeguard health and promote sustainable urban living. The deployment of real-time monitoring systems and public advisories exemplify efforts towards achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3, SDG 11, and SDG 13.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights the impact of poor air quality on health, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses air quality monitoring in urban areas like Philadelphia and surrounding counties, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban environments.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article indirectly relates to climate action by addressing air pollution, which is linked to climate change and environmental health.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • By urging reduction in burning leaves, trash, and other materials, the article touches on protecting terrestrial ecosystems from pollution.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels
   • The article mentions a “Code Orange alert” for PM2.5 particulate matter concentration, which corresponds to specific AQI levels used to measure air pollution severity.
2. PM2.5 Concentration
   • Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are monitored and reported in real time, serving as an indicator of air pollution and its health impacts.
3. Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring Data
   • The launch of an online air quality tracker with dozens of ground-level monitors provides data to measure progress and inform public health advisories.
4. Health Impact Metrics (Implied)
   • Though not explicitly mentioned, the focus on vulnerable populations implies tracking respiratory illness rates or hospital admissions related to air pollution.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com