PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
The alert goes into effect on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
A Code Orange alert means sensitive groups of people, including older adults, children and people with respiratory conditions, may have a harder time outside because of an increase in fine particulate matter in the air. <\/p>\n
Anyone who falls into those groups is encouraged to avoid heavy outdoor activity while the alert is in place.<\/p>\n
DEP officials said the increase in air pollutants will occur because of a \u201ctemperature inversion.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the National Weather Service,<\/a> that is when warmer air sits on top of cooler air. Since warm air rises, the air under the inversion cannot escape, causing pollution to get trapped.<\/p>\n Other people within the community are asked to help reduce air pollution by: <\/p>\n Reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove useAvoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials; andAvoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment<\/p>\n Residents can monitor the air quality in their community by visiting AirNow.com.<\/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