DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For Thursday, Jan. 14 For Southcentral, Southeastern PA

The Department of Environmental Protection forecasts a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day warning for particulate matter-- PM 2.5-- for Thursday, January 14 in Southcentral and Southeastern Pennsylvania.  The counties include--

-- Southcentral:  Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties; and

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

A significant temperature inversion and light wind are likely to contribute to daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Code Orange range. The highest concentrations of fine particulate matter are most likely to occur between 3:00 AM and 10:00 a.m.

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: January 13, 2021] PA Environment Digest