Air Quality Wednesday Could Be Harmful To Some In Philly Region: PA DEP

PHILADELPHIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared Wednesday a Code Orange Fine Particles Action Day in the Philadelphia region and said the air quality will be unhealthy to sensitive groups of people.

According to officials, children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities on Wednesday. During Air Quality Action Days, the public should limit strenuous outdoor activities.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the DEP said fine particle pollution concentrations reached the mid to high moderate range across the region. Winds overnight will increase the levels more for Wednesday.

Wednesday's forecast calls for overcast skies, very light winds, areas of dense fog, and light rainfall. Temperatures will reach the middle and upper 40s.

Fine particle pollution concentration readings in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category are likely for a good part of Wednesday.

The air quality will improve on Thursday as winds increase from the east and southeast. Rain is likely late in the day and at night. Daily averages of fine particle pollution concentrations will improve to the moderate range.

The chance for rain remains high on Friday, and if enough of a clean out occurs, PM2.5 may improve to the good range for a time, officials said.

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.