Air quality action day declared for Liberty-Clairton area
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The air in the Liberty-Clairton section of Allegheny County will be fouled with unhealthy levels of airborne soot pollution today, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which has declared a Code Orange "air quality action day."
A Code Orange rating by the DEP means that young people, the elderly and people with respiratory problems should limit their outdoor activities.
The tiny specs of airborne particles, emitted by coal-burning power plants, industry, and vehicles, can be breathed deeply into the lungs and cause significant health problems, including increased hospital and emergency room visits for respiratory and heart problems, the DEP said.
The DEP encouraged individuals and businesses to voluntarily limit pollution-causing activities, including reducing use of private vehicles and electricity.
The bad air day warning was issued just two days after the American Lung Association announced that the Pittsburgh region no longer has the worst air quality in the nation due to improved air quality in the Liberty-Clairton area.
First Published April 30, 2010 12:00 am
