Another Day Of Potentially Dangerous Air In Philadelphia Region

PHILADELPHIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared Tuesday another code orange air quality day in the Philadelphia region.

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 Tuesday, the department said.

Sensitive individuals are urged to limit outdoor activity during the late morning and afternoon hours.

The code orange status is due to increased levels of ozone in the region.

According to officials, ozone maximums will reach into the code orange range Tuesday afternoon as temperatures reach 100 degrees.

Particulate matter levels will remain in the moderate range, with the highest values coming during the morning.

Ozone levels will continue to be elevated Wednesday, with moderate particulate matter and heat persisting. There is only a small chance for any late day or evening showers or thunderstorms, with temperatures rising well into the 90s once more.

A frontal boundary slowly heading southeastward will bring an increasing chance for showers and thunderstorms each day Thursday and Friday, with the heat wave slowly breaking.

Ozone and PM2.5 will remain in the moderate range late this week.

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.