Weather
Coastal Rockingham County Under Code Orange Air Quality Alert
State officials expect ground-level ozone to climb to Code Orange levels in Coastal Rockingham County on Thursday.
CONCORD, NH — Coastal Rockingham County is under a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday, after the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services said ground-level ozone is expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
According to NH DES, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert means air pollution concentrations in the affected region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. The agency said sensitive individuals should take precautions to protect their health by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
NH DES identified sensitive individuals as children and older adults, anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, and people who are active outdoors. The agency also said even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities.
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The department said the ozone event is being driven by winds that transport pollutant emissions from surrounding areas into New Hampshire, where they combine with local emissions. NH DES said high temperatures and sunny skies then enhance the creation of ozone from these precursor pollutants.
Ozone formation is also being enhanced by smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada and in the southeastern United States. NHDES said conditions are expected to improve by Friday as temperatures cool somewhat and the wind direction shifts.
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The agency said the severity of health effects increases with rising air pollution concentrations. Symptoms of exposure to air pollution may include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
People with asthma and other existing lung diseases may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal and may experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Residents looking for more information can call NH DES at 603-271-1370. Air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire are also available by calling 1-800-935-SMOG or visiting the NH DES air data website.
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