The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Saturday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter. <\/p>\n
The alert covers six counties across the Pittsburgh and Susquehanna Valley regions.<\/p>\n
Strong temperature inversions across southwest and south central Pennsylvania are expected to drive up fine particle concentrations Saturday morning. <\/p>\n
Environmental officials advise sensitive populations, including young children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions, to limit heavy outdoor activity.<\/p>\n
The Air Quality Action Day applies to Allegheny, Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Lancaster and York counties. <\/p>\n
Health officials noted that individuals with specific conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis face increased risks from exposure to fine particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5.<\/p>\n
To help minimize pollution during the alert, state officials encourage residents and businesses to voluntarily take preventive steps. <\/p>\n
Recommendations include refraining from burning leaves or trash, eliminating or reducing fireplace and wood stove use and delaying the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.<\/p>\n
Air quality levels are tracked using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s standardized color-coded index. <\/p>\n
Under the index, Green indicates good air quality, Yellow denotes moderate conditions, Orange represents levels unhealthy for sensitive groups and Red warns of unhealthy air for all residents. <\/p>\n
An Air Quality Action Day is issued whenever the forecast reaches Code Orange or higher. <\/p>\n
Residents can monitor real-time local conditions online at www.airnow.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n