Hartford Officials Issue Info On Air Quality Concerns

Press release from the City of Hartford:

HARTFORD, CT — North-of-the-border wildfires are causing smoky, hazy conditions for much ot the northeast, including Hartford, and the air quality is more than a nuisance ... it's unhealthy.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Health and Hartford Human Services Director Ebony Jackson-Shaheed Wednesday announced recommendations for Hartford residents in the wake of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s air quality report.

With an air quality index in the 150s in the Hartford area, Hartford’s air is currently labeled as “unhealthy.”

“The smoke from the Canadian wildfires is hitting our region hard, and I want to encourage all of our residents to stay safe, making sure to follow EPA recommendations to limit outdoor activities and to be vigilant if you feel any symptoms, like nausea, headache, or shortness of breath,” said Bronin.

"Poor air quality is particularly dangerous for those with asthma, heart and lung disease, and other respiratory ailments, as well as the elderly, children, and people who are pregnant, so please make sure to check in on your loved ones and make sure you’re all being extra safe until the air quality returns to healthy levels.”

According to CT DPH, when air quality is affected,

• Check the daily air quality forecast via newspaper, TV, radio, or online at AirNow.gov to learn when particle levels are unhealthy and adhere to recommendations.
• Reduce the amount of time outside when pollution is high
• Plan outdoor activities when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning and evening.
• Exercise away from roads and highways. Particle pollution is usually worse near these areas.
• Do easier outdoor activities, such as walking instead of running or using a riding lawn mower instead of a push mower.

The current air quality issues are the result of smoke from wildfires in Quebec drifting to Connecticut and other states in the northeast.

Those with respiratory issues are recommended to use a face mask, such as an N95 or PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5), if they have to go outdoors.

This press release was produced by the City of Hartford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.