People in Western Pennsylvania and Northern Ohio should limit outdoor activity on Sunday, as unhealthy air quality levels have triggered a Code Orange Air Quality Alert. This alert affects children, elderly people, and anyone with breathing problems.
What Is a Code Orange Alert?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, a Code Orange means that ground-level ozone levels are expected to reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. These include young children, older adults, and people with asthma or other lung conditions.
Areas Under the Alert
In Pennsylvania, the alert includes the following counties:
Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Washington, Westmoreland, and Fayette — covering much of the Pittsburgh metro area.
In Ohio, the affected counties are:
Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Medina, Lake, Portage, Geauga, and Ashtabula — impacting cities such as Cleveland, Akron, and Mentor.
Health and Safety Tips
If you are in one of these areas and belong to a sensitive group:
Avoid outdoor exercise or heavy work, especially during the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.
Stay indoors in a cool place with clean air.
Keep windows closed and use air purifiers if available.
How You Can Help Reduce Pollution
Officials suggest the following actions to reduce ozone pollution:
Drive less or use public transport
Refuel your vehicle after sunset
Delay lawn mowing or other gas-powered equipment use
These small steps can help reduce harmful emissions in the air.
With ground-level ozone expected to rise, air quality in parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio could become harmful for sensitive individuals. It’s best to stay indoors during peak hours, avoid physical strain outside, and take simple steps to cut pollution. For real-time updates, check AirNow.gov or sign up for text alerts via enviroflash.info.
