The Department of Environmental Protection and regional air quality entities forecast poor air quality for June 20, 2012 across Pennsylvania. Included in the warning are all five state regions: Lehigh Valley, Pittsburgh, Liberty-Clairton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley.
Air quality for the day was predicted to reach code Orange levels, which represents unhealthy pollution concentrations. As such, the 24-hour period was labeled as an air quality action day to warn state residents. Locals considered at high risk and vulnerable to the effects of air pollution should limit time spent outside until the warning is lifted. This groups include children, seniors and those afflicted with respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis,
As summer continues and temperatures rise, the number of days reaching unhealthy levels of air pollution may increase. Ground-level ozone comprised of smog and fine particulate matter forms frequently in warm weather.
Homeowners living near traffic areas can invest in a home air purifier such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier to reduce their risk of breathing in unhealthy pollutants.