The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Saturday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter.
The alert covers six counties across the Pittsburgh and Susquehanna Valley regions.
Strong temperature inversions across southwest and south central Pennsylvania are expected to drive up fine particle concentrations Saturday morning.
Environmental officials advise sensitive populations, including young children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions, to limit heavy outdoor activity.
The Air Quality Action Day applies to Allegheny, Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Lancaster and York counties.
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.
To help minimize pollution during the alert, state officials encourage residents and businesses to voluntarily take preventive steps.
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.
Air quality levels are tracked using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standardized color-coded index.
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.
An Air Quality Action Day is issued whenever the forecast reaches Code Orange or higher.
Residents can monitor real-time local conditions online at www.airnow.gov.
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