The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership, Inc. have forecast a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ozone on Saturday, July 18.
An Air Quality Action Day is called when ground-level ozone and/or fine particulates are expected to exceed national health-based standards and may cause breathing problems for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with heart or respiratory disease.
Open burning and outdoor fires ARE NOT allowed in Allegheny County on Air Quality Action Days.
In addition, GASP and ACHD urge the public to protect themselves and their neighbors by helping to reduce air pollution during these declared Air Quality Action Days through voluntarily limiting pollution-producing activities, such as:
Limit daytime driving. Combine trips when possible.
Use public transit or rideshare.
Walk or bicycle for short trips.
Avoid prolonged idling and jackrabbit starts.
Don’t refuel. If you must, do so after 7 p.m.
Refuel carefully. Don’t top off your tank.
Postpone mowing the lawn until after 7 p.m.
Use latex instead of oil-based paint.
Save energy. Wash dishes and clothes with full loads.
Keep window shades/blinds closed during the day to cut down on air conditioning.