What causes the poor air quality in Pennsylvania?

Poor air quality is caused by elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) trapped near the ground due to light winds, snow cover, and morning temperature inversions.

Who is most at risk from the air quality alert?

Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other lung conditions, are most at risk.

Can air pollution increase the risk of ALS?

A study suggests that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 over 10 years increased the risk of developing ALS by up to 30 percent.

Home / Health / PA Air Quality Plummets, Sensitive Groups Warned

PA Air Quality Plummets, Sensitive Groups Warned

11 Feb

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Summary

Code Orange alert issued for high air pollution levels.
Sensitive groups advised to limit outdoor activities due to PM2.5.
Pollution exposure linked to increased ALS risk by up to 30%.

PA Air Quality Plummets, Sensitive Groups Warned

Thousands in Pennsylvania are under a Code Orange air quality alert due to significant levels of air pollution. The alert encompasses the Liberty and Clairton areas, including Clairton, Glassport, Lincoln, and Port Vue, as well as Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, York, and Lancaster counties in the Susquehanna Valley. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has warned that pollution levels may become unhealthy for sensitive populations.

Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, are urged to limit outdoor exercise. Exposure to elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5), trapped by light winds, snow cover, and temperature inversions, can lead to symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. These inversions create a layer of warm air above cooler air, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

The alert is expected to last throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, reduce outdoor activities, and take protective measures like keeping windows closed or using air purifiers. The Air Quality Index (AQI) system uses colors to indicate risk levels, with orange signifying potential health effects for sensitive groups.