DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For July 9 In Southwest PA

The Department of Environmental Protection forecasts a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day warning for ozone for Thursday, July 9 in Southwest Pennsylvania, including the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland.

An air quality action day, which is determined based on the forecasted air quality index, means air pollutants are at unhealthy levels for vulnerable populations. 

On these days, young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities.

To help keep the air healthy, residents and business are encouraged to voluntarily restrict certain pollution-producing activities by:

-- Refueling cars and trucks after dusk

-- Setting air conditioner thermostats to a higher temperature

-- Carpooling or using public transportation with proper social distancing practices; and 

-- Combining errands to reduce trips.  

Visit DEP’s Air Quality Partnerships webpage for more information on air quality across Pennsylvania.

[Posted: July 9, 2020] PA Environment Digest