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Allegheny County Health Department will fly air pollution flags

Allegheny County Health Department will fly air pollution flags

The Allegheny County Health Department will run a new air pollution information and education program up the flag pole.

The Health Department is adopting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Flag Program and will begin flying pennants color-coded to the air pollution levels forecast for the following day at its Clack Health Complex in Lawrenceville. Schools and businesses can sign up to also fly the daily flags.

The color of the flag for a particular day will match the Air Quality Index, which is based on predicted concentrations of airborne particles, ozone and other criteria pollutants. The index readings, on a numerical scale from 0 to 500, are divided into six color levels ranging from green (good), through yellow, orange, red, purple and maroon (very bad).

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Days that are “orange,” meaning they have an AQI of between 101-150, or higher are considered “Air Quality Action Days,” and individuals are asked to voluntarily refrain from using power mowers, topping off gas tanks and grilling. Also on those poor air quality days, a county regulation, new this year, goes a step further by prohibiting wood-burning campfires, bonfires and the use of backyard fire pits.

“The flag program is a very visible way of educating neighbors, businesses and students about air pollution issues in the region,” Jayme Graham, Health Department Air Quality Program manager, said last week. “And launching it now is a way to remind people about the backyard burning prohibition on days when the air quality is already poor.”

Ms. Graham said Allegheny County experiences between 15 and 55 orange or red code Air Quality Action Days a year, and spring and fall are the seasons when the region sees its highest levels of particulate pollution.

More than a dozen schools in the region have signed on to the federal program. Schools, businesses and individuals interested in participating in the program or seeking more information can visit here.

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More information on the open-burning regulation revisions that took effect Jan. 1 can be found online at the Allegheny County Health Department’s website.

Don Hopey: dhopey@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1983 or on Twitter @donhopey.

First Published: November 2, 2015, 5:00 a.m.

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