Air Quality Could Be Dangerous To Some In Philly Area Thursday: DEP

PHILADELPHIA — State environmental officials Thursday's air quality in the Philadelphia region could be dangerous to some people due to high levels of ozone.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday said Thursday will be an air quality action day.

Officials said the day's ozone levels will reach the code orange range, meaning the air could be unhealthy to sensitive groups.

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 Thursday, the department said.

Officials said mostly sunny skies and temperatures peaking into the middle and upper 90s are expected Thursday. Those will produce code orange ozone maximums, officials said.

Sensitive individuals should limit time spent outdoors between noon and 6 p.m. Thursday, officials said.

Additionally, a heat advisory is in effect for Thursday.

The public is encouraged to help reduce ozone pollution by

• Driving less by carpooling or using public transportation;
• Combining errands to reduce vehicle trips;
• Limiting engine idling;
• Refueling cars and trucks after dusk; and
• Conserving electricity by setting air conditioning to a higher temperature and turning off lights that are not in use.

Reducing fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) pollution in the air can be aided by:

• Limiting or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use;
• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials; and
• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.