Air Quality Concerns Raised For Greenwich Wednesday: CT DEEP

GREENWICH, CT — Air pollution levels of ground-level ozone and/or particles "are predicted to be in the 'unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' or above category" on Wednesday, May 2, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and 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," wrote CT DEEP in a statement. "In the cold season, particle pollution predominates. Health effects such as: aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks, and even pre-mature death in people with heart and lung disease; have also been linked with prolonged exposure of particles"

Wednesday's high temperatures are expected to approach - or could exceed - 80 degrees. As a result, the department recommends the following:

• 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.
• 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 CT DEEP air quality web site at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2222&q=320646&depNav_GID=1744

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