The Lehigh and Susquehanna Valley Air Quality Partnerships and the Department of Environmental Protection this week announced the first air quality action days of the season for ozone.

Air quality action days occur when fine particulate matter or ground-level ozone concentration during the summer reach unhealthy levels and exceed federal health-based air quality standards.

Residents can receive early warnings about bad air days by signing up to receive DEP’s free daily ozone forecasts by e-mail. Those who do not have Internet access can call the partnerships’ toll-free ozone hotlines at 1-877-517-2969 (Lehigh) and 1-888-772-1306 (Susquehanna).

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

To help keep the air healthy, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily limit certain pollution-producing activities by taking the following steps:

· Ride the bus or carpool to work;

· Refuel vehicles carefully – do not top off your tank;

· Wash dishes and clothes with full loads;

· Postpone mowing lawns until evening; and

· Save energy — do not overcool your home.

For more information, visit the Air Quality Partners webpage.

NewsClips: First Air Quality Action Day Declared in Lehigh Valley

First Air Quality Action Day Declared in Susquehanna Valley

6/12/2005