CT. DEP Forecasts Unhealthy Air Quality Through Sunday, July 20
It is that time of year when we can get these heat waves that really make it quite unhealthy for some of us to breath. The local weather stations are forecasting the three H’s, hazy hot & humid so the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has issued this all important warning.
By Rick Kratzke
Info courtesy of the CT. DEP:
Beginning tomorrow, Friday, July 18, 2008 through Sunday, July 20, 2008 the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is forecasting unhealthy air quality due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone and particle pollution for the entire State.
A forecast ranging from “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (Code Orange) to “Unhealthy” (Code Red) will be issued due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone and particle pollution for Friday through Sunday. Since forecasting began in 2008 for ground-level ozone, Connecticut has exceeded the 8-hour new ozone (stricter) standard 15 days.
On Monday, July 28, air quality is expected to improve due to a forecast of showers and thunderstorms in the region.
Link to current Air Quality Levels in CT: http://www.epa.gov/airnow/current/ct-aqi_current_hour.gif
Weather Summary:
A ridge of high pressure to the south and southeast of Connecticut, will allow for southwesterly surface winds into the state. These surface winds transport elevated levels of ozone and particle pollution into Connecticut.
A high pressure system promotes stagnant air in the boundary layer, with little vertical mixing of the air mass. This allows pollutants to become trapped near the ground. Intense sunlight reacts with NOx and VOC’s to form ozone pollution. Particulate Matter comes from sources such as motor vehicles, wood smoke and industrial processes.
Health Effects:
Anyone can be affected by ozone, but groups particularly sensitive include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma. Sensitive people who experience effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more serious effects at higher concentrations.
Very small particles are of concern because they can travel into the respiratory system and be deposited deep in the lungs. Exposure to elevated particulate levels can increase the likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravate heart or lung disease and cause premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.
Actions You Can Take to Improve Air Quality:
- Avoid mowing lawns with gasoline powered mowers
- Carpool and/or take public transportation, when possible
- Avoid refueling vehicles until after dusk
- Conserve electricity and set air conditioners to 78°F