Monday's Air Could Be Harmful To Sensitive Groups In Southeastern PA

PHILADELPHIA — State environmental officials said Monday'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 Monday is an air quality action day due to ozone levels reaching 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 sunny skies, highs in the low 90s, dew points in the low to mid 70s, stagnant morning air and light southwest winds in the afternoon will allow ozone to rise to potentially unsafe levels, and particulate matter levels into the mid-moderate category.

Tuesday will be another hot day, with temperatures in the 90s, light southwest winds, and limited vertical mixing causing ozone likely to once again increase to the high-moderate/low range and particulate matter in the moderate range.

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.