Unhealthy Air Coming To Philadelphia Region Saturday: PA DEP

PHILADELPHIA — Environmental officials said Saturday'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 Friday said Saturday 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 Saturday, the department said.

According to officials, Saturday's forecast will have mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the middle 80s. This will produce afternoon ozone concentrations in the code orange range. Fine particle levels will be highest during the morning, but overall still in the lower moderate range.

Ozone will continue to form Sunday afternoon, but maximums will only reach the moderate range.

Once again, fine particle concentrations will be highest during the morning, but will remain low to moderate overall.

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 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.