DEP Declares Code Orange Air Quality Action Day For Chester County

HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for fine particulate matter for Tuesday, July 18, in Chester County.

Continued smoke from wildfires is expected to impact Pennsylvania air quality throughout the day Tuesday and will likely contribute to daily average concentrations of matter in the Code Orange range.

During the overnight and early morning, there could be a few hours of Code Red concentrations. Residents are encouraged to check www.airnow.gov for current conditions in their area.

Fine particulate matter (or PM-2.5) comes in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires

Residents with problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Action Day areas are strongly encouraged to help reduce the pollution levels by:

• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials; and
• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.