PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day, but the Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code orange Air Quality Action Day.

“We’re looking at an ozone action day because of this stagnant, kind of quiet pattern that we’ve been in,” said meteorologist Kristin Emery. “That will stay with us as we head through today.”

The air quality alert is in effect for much of the area.

Officials say the elderly, young children and people with respiratory problems should limit outdoor activities.

“We do have the Air Quality Alert day in effect for portions of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties,” said Emery. “Just kind of a high ozone day if you have respiratory problems.”

Experts say residents and businesses can limit certain pollution-producing activities on days like these by riding the bus and carpooling, washing dishes and clothes only with full loads and by turning off unused lights in the home.

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