DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For July 18 In Southwest, Southeast PA

The Department of Environmental Protection forecasts a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day warning for ozone on Saturday, July 18 in--

--  Southwest Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties; and

-- Southeast Pennsylvania: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

The Air Quality Action Day is based on DEP’s Saturday forecast: sunshine for most of the day, with light southwest winds, high temperatures expected in the lower to mid-90’s. These conditions will create robust ozone formation within the Air Quality Action Day areas.

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.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Action Day area are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce air pollution by: 

-- Conserving electricity by setting air conditioning to a higher temperature;

-- Combining errands to reduce vehicle trips;

-- Limiting engine idling; and

-- Refueling cars and trucks after dusk.

This forecast was issued in cooperation with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Air Quality Partnership and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership.

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

[Posted: July 17, 2020] PA Environment Digest