Air Quality Alert: Wednesday's Weather 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'

Brookfield, CT — The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Wednesday, July 6 an "action day" for the area.

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Air pollution levels of ground-level ozone and/or particles are predicted to be in the "unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or above category, according to a release from the CT DEEP. The air particles could cause a number of respiratory problems including breathing difficulty, coughing and throat irritation and aggravate health issues such as asthma. It could also cause chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks and even pre-mature death in people with heart and lung disease, the CT DEEP said.

Recommendations from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency are as follows:

·Conserve energy at home and at work by setting your [air conditioner] thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter.
·Choose a cleaner commute: share a ride or use public transportation.
·During winter-time particulate matter events, cut back on wood stove use during stagnant atmospheric conditions.
·Reduce use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
·Refuel motor vehicles after dusk.
·Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling.
·Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when unhealthy air is forecast.

For further information, visit the CTDEP air quality web site at:
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2222&q=320646&depNav_GID=1744.

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