DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For Sunday, Dec. 20 For Lehigh Valley, Susquehanna Valley

The Department of Environmental Protection forecasts a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day warning for particulate matter-- PM 2.5-- for Sunday December 20 in the Lehigh Valley and the Susquehanna Valley.  The counties include--

-- Lehigh Valley: Berks, Lehigh Northampton counties;

-- Susquehanna Valley:  Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties

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: 

-- Reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use; and

-- Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash and other materials.

Visit EPA’s AirNow webpage for more information.

[Posted: December 19, 2020] PA Environment Digest