Canadian Wildfire Smoke May Affect Air Quality Across New Hampshire This Week

CONCORD, NH — Environmental officials are warning that smoke-driven air pollution is expected to affect the state this week, bringing possible haze, odors, and respiratory health effects for unusually sensitive people.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services said it expects concentrations of fine-particle air pollution from smoke to reach levels that could cause a hazy appearance in the sky, odors, and respiratory health effects for unusually sensitive individuals throughout the state during that period. NH DES advised anyone who is unusually sensitive to air pollution to take precautions and protect their health by limiting prolonged or heavy exertion, especially outdoors.

The agency also said even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged activities. According to NH DES, the event is tied to extensive wildfires in central and western Canada. Wind patterns are transporting waves of smoke from those fires across much of the Northeast and New Hampshire.

The department said conditions are expected to improve on Thursday, though there is some potential for high particle pollution to persist into the remainder of the week.

The advisory applies statewide, with Concord named in the announcement issued by NH DES. Residents looking for updated air quality forecasts and current pollution levels in New Hampshire can call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit the NH DES website at https://www4.des.state.nh.us/airdata/. For further information, the department said people can call NH DES at 603-271-1370.