'Orange' air quality alert issued, sensitive groups warned
An air quality alert has been issued for Southwestern Pennsylvania on Wednesday.
The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a “code orange” alert covering Armstrong, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties that will be in effect until 4 p.m.
An orange alert means that air pollution concentrations in the area may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes children, the elderly, and people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.
The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding outdoor exercise or strenuous activity.
According to AirNow, ozone will be the primary pollutant. Ozone is often lower in the morning.
Air quality information is available online at airnow.gov.
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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