NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Aug. 4, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 329

For more information contact Phil Wheeler, Air Quality Management Section, 302-739-9402; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

                                            Air Quality Action Alert -
         Code Orange Issued for Tuesday and Expected for Wednesday

DNREC’s Air Quality Management Section has announced that over the next two days ground level ozone is expected to reach levels that could be harmful to public health, especially people susceptible to the effects of poor air quality.

“A Code Orange- Air Quality Action Alert - has been issued for today,” said Phil Wheeler, planner with DNREC’s Air Quality Management Section. “With temperatures in the low 90’s, calm winds and sunny skies expected to continue for another day, we anticipate that the Code Orange will be extended through tomorrow. When a Code Orange is forecasted, we encourage people, especially those who are susceptible to the effects of poor air quality, to take actions to limit strenuous outdoor activities and protect their health.”

Ground-level ozone forms when high temperatures and sunlight combine with pollution from vehicles, industries and businesses. Young children, seniors, people with asthma and other respiratory diseases and those who work or exercise outdoors are most susceptible to the ill effects of ozone which can harm the lungs and contribute to other respiratory problems.

DNREC’s ozone alert system is part of the agency’s longstanding commitment to communicate environmental conditions to the public. Air Quality Action Days are announced when the amount of ground-level ozone is predicted to approach unhealthy levels and the federal standard for ozone could be exceeded. 

DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov, includes daily information on Air Quality Action Alerts and lists actions that people can take to help reduce ozone pollution. To subscribe to an email Air Quality Action Alert, visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Pages/DNRECLists.aspx

DNREC’s Air Quality Section measures ozone and other pollutants at nine monitoring sites throughout the state – in Brandywine, Bellefonte, Wilmington, Newark, Summit Bridge, Felton, Lums Pond, Lewes and Seaford.  To view current ozone readings, visit www.dnrec.state.de.us/air/aqm_page/airmont/air.asp.