Air Quality Health Advisory Ugraded For Norwalk: UPDATE

NORWALK, CT — Hours after issuing an air quality health advisory following the effects of the ongoing Canadian wildfires, Mayor Harry Rilling said Norwalk moved from the "red" category to "purple" on the air quality index Wednesday afternoon, meaning the risk of health effects have increased for everyone, reaching very unhealthy levels.

According to a news release provided by the city, Norwalk residents, especially those with underlying conditions who may be at greater risk from the current air quality, are asked to protect themselves and to limit outdoor activity through Thursday morning.

The state Department of Public Health also advises that closing windows and doors will help keep smoke out of the home and reminds residents that wearing a KN95 or N95 mask is effective at filtering smoke. DPH also suggests residents consider wearing them outdoors until the air quality improves, Rilling said.

The city continues to monitor state and federal guidelines and has made the following recommendations while Norwalk is in the Purple range:

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Avoid all outdoor physical activity.
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions should be sure to have their medications readily available and seek medical attention if these issues worsen.

Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Limit all outdoor physical activity. Go indoors if you have symptoms.

Wednesday morning's advisory was issued in partnership with Norwalk Public Schools and the Norwalk Health Department.

According to Rilling, individuals at higher risk include children and teens, older adults, individuals with heart and lung conditions like asthma and individuals who are pregnant.

For the safety and well-being of all students and staff, Norwalk Public Schools has suspended all outdoor activities, including field trips headed outside for Wednesday, Rilling said. Air quality can be monitored by visiting the AQI here.

More information is available at airnow.gov and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's website.