Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued For Friday In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Health officials in Philadelphia are issuing an air quality alert for Friday.

According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Friday will be a Code Orange Ozone Action Day.

Code Orange days mean 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 Friday, the department said.

During Air Quality Action Days, the public should limit strenuous outdoor activities.

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.