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ACHD: Allegheny County Air Quality Alert Level Increases to Code Maroon; DEP Issues Code Purple for Friday

The Allegheny County Health Department on Thursday afternoon issued the following press release:


The Allegheny County Health Department wants to inform the public that the PM2.5 air quality conditions for Thursday, July 16 are currently in the Code Maroon (Hazardous Air Quality) range for areas of the county and conditions have gotten progressively worse throughout the afternoon.


Wildfire smoke continues to impact Pennsylvania from Ontario, Canada and Minnesota, significantly deteriorating the air quality across Commonwealth. The wildfire smoke will remain in the area this afternoon but is expected to eventually move out of the area on Saturday. 


At this time, the health department recommends no outdoor activities this evening and potentially tomorrow.


The local monitoring in Allegheny County shows the current levels as of 4pm are in the Code Maroon (Hazardous) range on EPA’s AirNow map.


The U.S. Air Quality Index is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health. Code Maroon (Hazardous) indicates that: Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

The U.S. EPA, DEP, and Allegheny County Health Department recommend the following guidance:


Code Maroon (Hazardous): Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.

Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors.


If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local municipality to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.


The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) has issued a PM 2.5 Air Quality Alert of Code Purple for Friday, July 17.


Code Purple (Very Unhealthy): Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors.

Sensitive groups include people with respiratory issues or lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis as well as older adults, children and teenagers, and people who are active outdoors.


General Public: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.


PM 2.5 is a type of particle pollution comes from many different sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) come from power plants, industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, woodstoves, and wildfires. Particle pollution causes a number of serious health problems, including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes.


It also is linked to early death in people with heart or lung disease.


All residents are advised to check AirNow for your current air quality and take simple steps to reduce your exposure. Get the latest local updates on air quality by enrolling in Allegheny Alerts for free.


Additional Air Quality Index Resources:

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