NH DES Issues Air Quality Action Alert

CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has issued an “air quality action day” alert for today and July 7, 2016, due to the high level of air pollution and ozone in the state.

The air pollution concentration levels will reach “unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals” in Hillsborough and Rockingham counties during the next two days, according to the alert.

“NHDES officials are calling for Air Quality Action Days and advise sensitive individuals in this area to take precautions to protect their health by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion,” according to Kathryn Michener of the NH DES. “Sensitive individuals include children and older adults; anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors. Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities.”

The ground-level ozone – the main component of smog – will have unhealthy levels during this time. It will persist, according to officials, due to the high temperatures, sunny skies, and light winds transporting the pollution into the state from other areas.

“Conditions are expected to improve on Friday as lower temperatures, clouds, and cleaner air move into the region,” she noted.

Symptoms of ozone exposure include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain when inhaling deeply, and shortness of breath; the severity of the health effects increases as ozone concentrations increase.

For air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire, call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit the NHDES website at airquality.nh.gov.