ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Air quality across the Lehigh Valley deteriorated sharply Sunday, as levels of fine particulate pollution climbed into the “unhealthy” range, prompting regional air quality alerts and raising health concerns for residents.
According to data from IQAir and AirNow, Allentown recorded a U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI)reading of 156 Sunday afternoon — a level classified as unhealthy for all residents. The primary pollutant was PM2.5, or fine particulate matter.
Elevated PM2.5 levels were reported across much of eastern Pennsylvania, including areas between Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley.
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 is airborne particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller, small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and penetrate deep into the lungs. These particles can also enter the bloodstream…