A statewide Code Orange Air Quality Action Day was declared Monday, July 17, due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter in the air.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires is effecting the air quality.

Sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activity during Code Orange Air Quality Action Days. Effected groups include young children, the elderly and those suffering from respiratory diseases like bronchitis or asthma.

Airnow.com also advises healthy groups to limit strenuous outdoor activity.

The DEP encouraged residents to check airnow.com for updates on the air quality.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Action Day areas are encouraged to voluntarily help reduce ozone air pollution by driving less, reducing vehicle trips, limiting engine idling, refueling cars and trucks after dusk, setting air conditioning to a higher temperature, and turning off lights that are not in use.