Allegheny County issues air quality alert for Mon Valley

The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a Mon Valley Episode Watch, coinciding with a Code Orange air quality alert from the state Department of Environmental Protection. High pressure over the Monongahela Valley is expected to trap pollutants near the surface, leading to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).

Sensitive groups, including older adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with heart or lung disease, are advised to limit outdoor activities. Officials noted that PM 2.5 pollution can cause coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and more serious cardiovascular issues. Companies in the Mon Valley contributing to these emissions are required to temporarily reduce activities that produce pollution.