Air Quality Alert Issued for Allegheny County

On Saturday, January 31, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for specific areas within Allegheny County. This declaration was prompted by elevated levels of fine particulate matter. The affected zone primarily encompasses the Liberty-Clariton area, which includes Clairton City, Glassport Borough, Liberty Borough, Lincoln Borough, and Port Vue Borough. A significant temperature inversion in the morning contributed to the fine particulate matter concentration reaching code orange levels. Although afternoon conditions were expected to improve, air quality was projected to remain at the code orange threshold.

During a code orange air quality day, it is strongly recommended that vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, reduce their time spent outdoors. The DEP also urged residents to take proactive measures to mitigate air pollution. These suggestions include minimizing the use of fireplaces and wood stoves, refraining from burning leaves, trash, or other materials, and avoiding the operation of gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment. Further information on current air conditions was made available through a provided link. Fine particulate matter, the pollutant of concern, can originate from various sources including construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires.