Air Quality Alert Issued in Central Pennsylvania Amid Crisis

An air quality alert was issued in central Pennsylvania on Sunday. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared Sunday a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day affecting Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Lancaster, and York counties.

A Code Orange indicates unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. These individuals are advised to avoid heavy outdoor activity while the alert is in effect.

Residents and businesses can help reduce fine particulate matter by limiting the use of fireplaces, wood stoves, and gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, as well as avoiding open burning of leaves and trash.

The air quality is expected to improve late Sunday evening following the passage of a cold front, which will increase surface flow and disperse fine particulate matter. For current air quality updates, individuals can visit airnow.gov.