Residents in the Philadelphia metro area and parts of New York City are being warned about potentially unhealthy air conditions expected Sunday.
According to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert will be in effect Sunday for Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. The designation means ozone concentrations may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other lung conditions. Officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activities to reduce potential health risks.
In New York, the State Department of Environmental Conservation issued a similar Air Quality Health Advisory for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland counties. The alert will be active from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. State health officials advise that ground-level ozone levels could push the Air Quality Index above 100, which can affect vulnerable populations.
Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, is formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources. It can irritate the respiratory system, aggravate asthma, and reduce lung function. Health experts suggest residents—especially sensitive groups—consider staying indoors during peak afternoon hours when ozone levels are expected to be highest.
Both Philadelphia and New York residents can track current conditions online through their respective environmental agencies or by calling their air quality hotlines. Authorities emphasize that while the alerts are aimed at protecting sensitive groups, all residents may benefit from reducing prolonged outdoor exertion during elevated ozone periods.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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