DEP declares Air Quality Action Day for July 13

A(n) Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley, PA, on Friday, Jul 13
Tomorrow’s Forecast
Friday, Jul 13:	101 AQI	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Ozone
	55 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)
Extended Forecast
Saturday, Jul 14:	90 AQI	Moderate		Ozone
	55 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Smog Alerts Coming

Summer will soon be here and that can mean high levels of air pollutants in our air, specifically ozone and small particles, commonly known as smog.

Meteorologists declare “Air Quality Action” days when they project that weather conditions are conducive for unhealthy air pollution. In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) called six action days for the Susquehanna Valley.

We should heed those warnings. Recent scientific studies conclude that short-term exposure to unhealthy air pollution can have significant adverse effects on pregnant women, children, the elderly, and even the general population–especially those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma. Short term symptoms resulting from breathing high levels of ozone and fine particulate are chest pain, coughing, nausea, throat irritation, and congestion. These pollutants also aggravate bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma—and can increase risks of stroke. Children, senior citizens, and those with asthma or other respiratory problems are urged to limit outdoor activities when an action day is predicted.

Air Quality Action days are often declared when there is little wind and when the amount of ozone or particles in stagnant air could exceed federal health standards. The DEP monitors local and regional air quality. Local television and radio stations alert the public when an Air Quality Action day is predicted. Check your newspaper’s websites as well. The Clean Air Board of Central Pennsylvania also monitors pollution levels and posts notices at this website when DEP declares an Air Quality Action day.  Stay informed!

Wildfires Leave Sky Full of Soot

California Fires Leave 32 Dead, a Vast Landscape Charred, and a Sky Full of Soot

NY Times, Oct. 12, 2017

SONOMA, Calif. — Some of the worst wildfires ever to tear through California have killed 32 people and torched a vast area of the state’s north this week, but the reach of the blazes is spreading dramatically further by the day, as thick plumes of smoke blow through population centers across the Bay Area. . . .  Air-quality, based on levels of tiny particles that can flow deep into the lungs, is rated “unhealthy” across much of Northern California, and smoke has traveled as far as Fresno, more than 200 miles to the south.   Read more

EPA Air Quality Information for Napa, Oct. 13, 2017:

AIRNow Home

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California

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Napa

 

Current Conditions  Oct. 13, 2017

Air Quality Index (AQI) observed at 17:00 PDT  393    Hazardous Health Message: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Everyone else should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. Additional information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.

Air Quality Action Day – Thursday

DEP has declared an Air Quality Action Day for Susquehanna Valley, PA, on Thursday, Jun 22
Forecast
Thursday, Jun 22:	102 AQI	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Ozone
	55 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and its regional air quality partnerships have forecast a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ozone on Thursday, June 22, for the 5-county Philadelphia area (encompassing the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia) and the Susquehanna Valley area (Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Cumberland, and York counties).

Strong sunshine, light winds, and temperatures in the high 80s to near 90 degrees F are expected to cause ozone levels to rise into the Code ORANGE level.

Elevated ozone levels are expected to last only one day. More clouds will move in on Friday, with a cold front coming in from the Great Lakes as well as the remnants of Cindy coming northward out of the Gulf of Mexico. The clouds and rain will act to bring ozone back down to low levels.

On air quality action days, young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities.

Here are some Air Quality Action Day tips you can follow to help reduce pollution:

Days when ozone levels are expected to be high:

* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

Source: http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21229&typeid=1

DEP declares Air Quality Action Day for Susquehanna Valley on Monday, June 20

Forecast
Monday, Jun 20:	106 AQI	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Ozone
	62 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)
Extended Forecast
Tuesday, Jun 21:	83 AQI	Moderate		Ozone
	58 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Current conditions: At 2 p.m. EDT this Friday afternoon, a northerly flow to the east of an area of high pressure located over the Great Lakes is bringing drier air into the area. Fine particulate is being mixed out by an increasing breeze, so overall averages for today will be in the upper good range for this pollutant. The high will sink slowly southward to a position over western North Carolina by Monday. This will act to increase both fine particulate and ozone. In fact, ozone levels will be at their highest on Monday, the first day of summer with light southwest winds and temperatures close to 90 degrees. Fine particulate levels will also increase in response to rising low level humidity. Moonlit and turning out comfortable overnight with lows in the lower 60s. *** Saturday’s forecast: Sunshine will prevail for the day Saturday with high pressure overhead. Fine particulate will be elevated in the morning to the moderate range, and not enough mixing will occur in the afternoon to bring overall averages below the moderate range. Likewise, with a strong June sun and maximum insolation, ozone levels will average in the lower moderate range as well. Afternoon temperatures in the lower to middle 80s. *** Sunday’s forecast: Another full day of sunshine is in store for Sunday with afternoon temperatures in the middle and upper 80s. Fine particulate will again be in the lower moderate range, but ozone could go well into the moderate range with light winds and full sun. ***Monday’s forecast: High pressure will be located across the Tennessee valley on Monday, allowing for light southwest winds and a mostly sunny sky. There is the concern that ozone levels go into the code ORANGE range, especially if any onshore flow is very light and emissions increase. Temperatures approaching the 90 degree mark with fine particulate in the middle moderate range. *** Extended forecast: A cold front approaches on Tuesday, and the exact time this front passes is still uncertain. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the late afternoon and early evening. With enough sunshine, ozone will go well into the moderate range, and fine particulate will average in the lower moderate range. A little cooler and less humid air with good air quality should follow for the middle of next week.—McAuliffe

Here are some Air Quality Action Day tips you can follow to help reduce pollution:

Days when ozone levels are expected to be high:

* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

DEP issues air quality alert for ozone on Friday, May 27

Air Quality Action Day has been declared for Susquehanna Valley, PA, on Friday, May 27
Tomorrow’s Forecast
Friday, May 27:	103 AQI	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Ozone
	75 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)
Extended Forecast
Saturday, May 28:	98 AQI	Moderate		Ozone
	77 AQI	Moderate		Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Friday’s forecast: Sunshine and a few clouds will prevail for the day Friday. Warm and humid with a late afternoon or evening thunderstorm in the area. Code ORANGE levels of ozone will again occur with the sunshine and heat ramping up ozone production. Fine particulate levels will again be in the moderate range. Warm and sticky Friday night with lows in the middle and upper 60s.

Here are some Air Quality Action Day tips you can follow to help reduce pollution:

Days when ozone levels are expected to be high:

* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

Days when particle pollution levels are expected to be high:

* Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
* Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
* Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.

This forecast is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and the Air Quality Partnership of the Susquehanna Valley.

* For more information on the health effects of PM 2.5 and ozone, visit the EPA Airnow website.