Air Quality Alert Issued for Danbury

DANBURY, CT — Air pollution levels of ground-level ozone and/or particles are predicted to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or worse category through Tuesday in the city, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

During the warm seasons, unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations may cause a variety of respiratory problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation, DEEP warns. In the cold season, particle pollution predominates. Health effects such as aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks, and even premature death in people with heart and lung disease; have also been linked with prolonged exposure of particles.·

The agency recommends residents:

• Conserve energy at home and at work by setting their air conditioner thermostat at a higher temperature.
• Choose a cleaner commute: share a ride or use public transportation.
• 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 is available online here.