Air Quality Could Be Dangerous To Some In Philly Area Wednesday: DEP

PHILADLEPHIA — State environmental officials said Wednesday'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 said Wednesday 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 Wednesday, the department said.

Officials said sun shining through a layer of smoke from Canadian wildfires, as well as high temperatures in the upper 80s, will lead to rapid ozone development during the late morning and early afternoon,

Wednesday afternoon will see peak concentrations of ozone, especially along the I-95 corridor, officials said.

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.